Broadcaster Kim Eo-jun fined $15,000 for defamation in South Korea

A South Korean court has fined popular broadcaster Kim Eo-jun 20 million won (approximately $15,000) for defaming journalist Lee Dong-jae. The ruling, delivered on July 14, hinged on the court's finding that Kim was aware his statements were false.

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The court found that Kim recognized the statements were false and intended to defame the victim.

The court cited evidence that Kim had been in contact with a whistleblower, known as "Reporter X," for months before making the allegedly defamatory remarks. Kim had accused Lee of pressuring a former executive to falsely implicate a politician in a bribery scandal. The court determined that while Lee's letter to the executive contained his opinions and offers of assistance, it did not explicitly demand false testimony.

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There are confirmations that (Lee) expressed his expectations or opinions while encouraging the tip, or offered to arrange unofficial plea bargaining with the prosecution in return for cooperating with the investigation, but beyond that, there is no content demanding a false report.

Kim's defense argued he didn't know the statements were false. However, the court concluded that Kim likely knew the information was untrue, or at least suspected it, given his extensive communication with the whistleblower. This included receiving audio recordings of Lee's conversations, which were provided by the whistleblower after obtaining Lee's letter.

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There is a big difference between being asked to report the facts and being asked to report false facts.

The court acknowledged that Lee's reporting methods had some questionable aspects and that Kim had no prior criminal record. These factors were considered in sentencing Kim to a fine rather than a harsher penalty. Kim has since filed an appeal against the ruling.

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I have obtained the letter. It feels like the prosecution instigated this. I will provide the materials, would you like to cover it?