[Anchor]
Broadcaster Kim Ou-joon has been sentenced to a fine of 20 million won in the first trial for defaming former Channel A reporter Lee Dong-jae. The court ruled that Kim's past remarks on his broadcast were an intentional and repeated dissemination of false information.
Reporter Lee Se-hyeon has the story.
[Reporter]
Broadcaster Kim Ou-joon enters the court accompanied by security guards.
[How do you expect the verdict to turn out?]
Kim has been on trial since being indicted in April 2024 on charges of defaming former Channel A reporter Lee Dong-jae.
This follows six separate instances on his broadcast starting in April 2020, where he claimed that Lee had pressured Lee Chul, the former CEO of Value Invest Korea, to "falsely report that he had given money to Rhyu Si-min."
Kim's side has consistently denied the charges, arguing that his comments constituted personal opinion or media criticism.
The court in the first trial ruled today (July 14) that "Kim's remarks were not expressions of opinion but the statement of false facts," and that "there was also an intent to defame."
The court further stated, "The nature of the crime is poor due to the repeated influence on public opinion, and the victim has suffered significant mental distress," sentencing him to a fine of 20 million won.
The court added that it took into account the fact that there were inappropriate aspects to Lee's reporting activities when determining the sentence.
After the sentencing, Kim left the court without responding to any questions from reporters.
[(What are your thoughts on today's verdict?) ... (Do you have anything to say to former reporter Lee Dong-jae?) ...]
[Security guard for Kim Ou-joon: Please, that's enough.]
Immediately after the verdict, Lee expressed his feelings, stating that it was difficult to stand up against a powerful figure who spread false information.
[Lee Dong-jae/Former Channel A reporter: Although it is a fine, I express my respect for the court's decision to strike down the endless lies and agitation of the defendant, Kim Ou-joon, based on law and principle.]
Previously, on July 7, following the enforcement of the revised Information and Communications Network Act, often referred to as the "Fake News Punishment Act," Lee filed a request with the Korea Communications Standards Commission and YouTube to have the videos containing Kim's remarks removed.
(Video coverage: Kang Si-woo | Video editing: Kim Yun-seong | Design: Jo Su-in | Footage courtesy of YouTube 'Maeil Shinmun')
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