'Tablet PC Manipulation Theory' Advocate Byun Hee-jae Loses State Compensation Lawsuit Again

Byun Hee-jae, a media activist known for his involvement in the 'Choi Soon-sil tablet PC manipulation theory,' has once again lost a state compensation lawsuit. Byun was previously convicted for spreading false information related to the tablet computer, which was central to a political scandal involving Choi Soon-sil. He had sought 50 million won (approximately $36,000 USD) in damages from the state, alleging mental distress due to his conviction.

Byun's lawsuit stemmed from his claims that prosecutors had concealed evidence and instigated perjury during his criminal trial. He argued that the actual user of the tablet PC was Kim Han-soo, a former presidential secretary, and that the prosecution deliberately hid this fact. This, he contended, led to his conviction and subsequent suffering. He filed the lawsuit before his criminal conviction was finalized by the Supreme Court in March, where he received a two-year prison sentence.

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The court ruled that the court's judgment that Choi was the actual user of the tablet PC in Byun's criminal case had already been finalized, and there was no new evidence to overturn it.

However, the court dismissed Byun's claim, ruling that the previous judicial decision identifying Choi Soon-sil as the tablet's user was already final. The court found no new evidence to overturn this established fact. Byun has appealed this latest ruling. This is not the first time Byun has pursued a state compensation claim related to this case; he previously filed a separate lawsuit in September, alleging that the first-instance court's decision was based on false investigative results, but he lost that case as well.

The initial conviction against Byun was for spreading false information, specifically alleging that JTBC, a broadcasting company, had conspired with Kim Han-soo to obtain the tablet PC, manipulate its files, and falsely report that Choi Soon-sil had used it. The Supreme Court upheld the conviction, resulting in his imprisonment. Byun's persistent legal challenges highlight his continued efforts to overturn the verdict and seek compensation for what he perceives as a wrongful conviction.

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Byun filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming 50 million won in compensation for mental suffering, arguing that prosecutors instigated perjury to hide the fact that the actual user of the tablet PC was Kim Han-soo, a former presidential secretary, resulting in his guilty verdict.