During the first trial, the legal representative of former U.S. Liberty University Professor Morse Tan (Korean name: Dan Hyun-myung)—who was indicted on charges of defaming President Lee Jae-myung—argued that South Korea lacks judicial jurisdiction and appealed the unfairness of the indictment.

Judge Heo Seo-yun of Criminal Single Division 17 at the Seoul Central District Court held the first trial for former Professor Tan, who was indicted on charges of defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc., and defamation under the Criminal Act.

Former Professor Tan is accused of spreading false information during a press conference held in Washington, D.C., the United States, last year, claiming that "President Lee was involved in gang rape and a murder case during his youth and was confined in a juvenile detention center."

Citing the fact that former Professor Tan is a U.S. citizen who made the remarks in question in the United States, his defense counsel asked for the indictment to be dismissed on the grounds that South Korean courts do not have jurisdiction over the case.

The defense went on to emphasize, "Even if jurisdiction is recognized, there was no disclosure of false facts, nor was there any awareness that the statements were false," adding, "There was also no intent to defame."

Introducing himself as a social activist, former Professor Tan also stated, "I plead not guilty to the charges in the indictment," and "I believe the content regarding President Lee is true."

Leaving the courtroom, former Professor Tan maintained, "It is unfair for me, an American citizen, to go through this in a South Korean court," and asserted, "If someone believes something is true or speaks the truth, it should be guaranteed as freedom of expression."

Former Professor Tan failed to comply with police summonses to investigate this case, resulting in a travel ban. After losing the first instance of an administrative lawsuit filed to challenge this, he is awaiting the first trial of his appeal.

(Photo: Yonhap News)