DJ DOC's Lee Ha-neul Denies Defamation Charges in First Trial

Rapper Lee Ha-neul, a member of the iconic South Korean hip-hop group DJ DOC, has denied charges of defamation against the CEO of entertainment agency Bass Camp Studio. The case proceeded to its first public hearing at the Uijeongbu District Court's Goyang Branch on August 28.

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The defendant defamed the victim by slandering them through a YouTube live broadcast.

Prosecutors presented their case, stating that Lee Ha-neul defamed the plaintiff by broadcasting live on his YouTube channel. The indictment alleges that during the August 31, 2024, broadcast, viewed by approximately 200 people, Lee Ha-neul raised allegations of sexual misconduct against the agency CEO. The CEO's side subsequently filed a complaint, asserting that Lee Ha-neul's statements were false and damaging to his reputation.

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There was no intention to slander.

Lee Ha-neul's legal team countered by arguing that his actions were not intended to defame but rather to correct factual inaccuracies. The defense explained that the dispute originated when the CEO allegedly failed to disclose criminal history when joining Lee Ha-neul's company, Funky Town. This led to the CEO's dismissal, which he then reported as unfair dismissal to the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

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The company dismissed A [CEO] based on these issues, and A reported it to the Ministry of Employment and Labor as unfair dismissal.

The defense further contended that Lee Ha-neul felt compelled to speak out to rectify the situation, suggesting the CEO used the media to attack him. They asserted that Lee Ha-neul's statements were made in self-defense and served a public interest purpose. The court has scheduled the CEO to testify as a witness at the next hearing, set for October 14.

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Lee Ha-neul could not help but speak out in the process of defending himself. There was also a public interest purpose.