YouTuber Jeon Han-gil Loses Lawsuit Against Travel Ban Amid Defamation Probe

YouTuber and former history instructor Jeon Han-gil has lost an administrative lawsuit seeking to overturn an extended travel ban. Jeon, who is currently under investigation for allegedly spreading false information, including claims about President Lee Jae-myung's alleged slush funds and extramarital affairs, had argued that the ban was unlawful.

The Seoul Administrative Court ruled against Jeon, stating that the public interest served by the travel ban outweighs the personal inconvenience he faces. The court cited Jeon's previous failure to appear for seven investigation summonses and the significant risk of further disruption to the investigation if he were to leave the country again.

Jeon is facing multiple defamation charges. He was initially reported to the police in October last year after making claims about President Lee's alleged slush funds and extramarital affairs during a YouTube broadcast. He also faces separate charges for remarks made about Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, concerning alleged free public opinion polls provided by a political broker.

The Ministry of Justice initially imposed a travel ban on Jeon in February at the police's request. The ban has been extended on a monthly basis since then. The court's decision means Jeon remains subject to the travel ban as the investigations continue.