Freelance reporter Kim Woong, who was indicted on charges of demanding employment and money from JTBC CEO Sohn Seok-hee by threatening to report on past vehicle contact accidents, is attending a court hearing held on the afternoon of the 27th at the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for freelance journalist Kim Woong (50), who was indicted on charges of demanding employment and money from JTBC CEO Sohn Seok-hee by threatening to report on a past car accident.
On the afternoon of the 27th, at the Seoul Western District Court, Criminal Division 4, presided over by Judge Park Yong-geun, the prosecution asked for a sentence of 1 year and 6 months in prison during the sentencing hearing for Kim's attempted extortion charge. The prosecution stated, "The defendant denies the attempted extortion charges and shifts the blame onto the victim," adding, "Although the crime was only attempted, please consider the fact that the act was carried out over a long period."
Kim is accused of demanding employment and 240 million won in money from CEO Sohn from August 2018 to January last year by threatening to report on a 2017 car accident and to file an assault complaint, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
The defense argued, "The defendant only demanded a sincere apology after being assaulted by CEO Sohn and did not mention the minor accident or demand money," and claimed, "The investment or service proposal was first made by CEO Sohn." They further stated, "The demand for 240 million won was made to convey that the victim's proposal, which lacked sincerity, was unrealistic."
There was also mention of Cho Ju-bin (24, in custody), the operator of the Telegram 'Doctor's Room.' The defense said, "The victim claims to have felt fear due to the defendant's actions, but considering the circumstances in which the victim believed Cho Ju-bin's words and gave money, it seems the victim had some other fear unrelated to the defendant or subjectively misunderstood the defendant's actions in a way completely different from the defendant's intent."
In his final statement, Kim asserted his innocence. He said, "Even if I have to live by weeds, I have endured until now with the determination not to tarnish my name," and claimed, "I did not investigate Sohn Seok-hee as a private individual but investigated the morality of a public figure who influenced the direction of public opinion in the Republic of Korea."
Kim's sentencing hearing will be held on the 17th of next month.
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