KOR
Lee, the sister-in-law of television personality Park Soo-hong, has offered a belated apology and pleaded for leniency during her appeal trial for spreading false rumors about Park's private life.
On June 25, during the final hearing for the appeal trial held at the Seoul Western District Court (Criminal Division 1, Presiding Judge Ban Jung-woo) regarding charges of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, the prosecution requested that the court "dismiss the defendant's appeal and sentence her to 10 months in prison, as requested in the original trial."
Lee was indicted on defamation charges after sending messages in a KakaoTalk group chat containing false information, including claims that Park Soo-hong had cohabited with a woman during his active broadcasting career.
In her final statement, Lee expressed her regrets to Park Soo-hong and his wife, Kim Da-ye. "Although it was a strictly private conversation with acquaintances, I apologize for the pain I caused Park Soo-hong and Kim Da-ye," Lee said. "At the time, I thought my actions were right, but looking back now, I realize how reckless and foolish I was. I am deeply reflecting on my actions and will ensure that something like this never happens again. I will strive to be a mother my children can be proud of," she added, pleading for leniency.
Lee's defense argued that she had witnessed a woman's belongings at the victim's home multiple times, giving her reasonable grounds to believe he was living with someone. They claimed her statements were not maliciously fabricated and were merely a defensive response after Park Soo-hong brought their family's financial disputes into the public eye, rather than being intended for defamation.
In the first trial, the court sentenced Lee to a fine of 12 million KRW, stating, "She committed the crime with the intent to sway public opinion in favor of herself and her husband during their legal dispute and to defame the victim." The sentencing for Lee's appeal trial is scheduled for July 23 at 2:30 PM at the Seoul Western District Court.
Meanwhile, Park Soo-hong’s older brother, surnamed Park, was indicted on charges of embezzling funds from their entertainment agency as well as Park Soo-hong’s appearance fees. He was recently sentenced to three years and six months in prison by the Supreme Court.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.