Broadcaster Kim Ou-joon Fined 20 Million Won in First Trial for Defaming Former Reporter Lee Dong-jae

Broadcaster Kim Ou-joon has been sentenced to a fine in his first trial on charges of defaming former Channel A reporter Lee Dong-jae.

Judge Kang Gyeong-muk of the Seoul Northern District Court, presiding over the 14th Criminal Division, sentenced Kim to a fine of 20 million won today (July 14) for defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.

"The number of offenses is not small, and the victim has suffered significant mental distress," Judge Kang stated. "The victim is petitioning for a stern punishment for the defendant."

Previously, the prosecution had requested a one-year prison sentence during the final hearing.

Kim is accused of claiming on six occasions between April and October 2020, through YouTube and radio broadcasts, that the former reporter had coerced Lee Chul, the former CEO of Value Invest Korea (VIK) who was incarcerated at the time, to falsely testify that he had given money to Rhyu Si-min, the former chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation.

Police, who began an investigation following a complaint filed by the former reporter in February 2022, initially decided not to forward the case in October of that year, stating that "it is difficult to conclude that Kim made the false statements intentionally."

However, the prosecution requested a reinvestigation in January 2023, and in September 2023, the police reversed their previous decision and referred the case to the prosecution.

The prosecution indicted Kim in April 2024.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.