President Moon withdraws 'insult charge' lawsuit... "Enduring insulting expressions as President" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in has decided to withdraw the lawsuit against a man in his 30s who distributed leaflets containing insulting content about him and his family.

Park Kyung-mi, the Blue House spokesperson, stated on the 4th that President Moon "instructed to withdraw the intention to punish, considering that as the president entrusted by the sovereign people, it is necessary to endure insulting expressions."

This case involves a man in his 30s who was sued after distributing leaflets in front of the National Assembly in 2019 claiming that President Moon is a descendant of pro-Japanese collaborators. Since the crime of insult is a complaint-based offense, there was controversy over whether the president himself should be the complainant.

Spokesperson Park explained the reason for filing the insult charge against the leaflet distributor, saying, "President Moon has tolerated even hateful expressions about himself and his family that are difficult to put into words, out of respect for the people's freedom of expression. However, this matter goes beyond personal hatred and ridicule toward the president, indiscriminately quoting expressions from a Japanese far-right weekly magazine, considering the harm it causes to national dignity, the honor of the people, and inter-Korean relations."

However, she also hinted that similar incidents could lead to lawsuits again in the future. Park said, "In the future, we plan to carefully decide on a case-by-case basis regarding matters that clearly spread false information to intentionally undermine trust in the government or could escalate into diplomatic issues," adding, "I hope this incident serves as an opportunity for reflection on false information that affects national dignity and the honor of the people."

Regarding this, a Blue House official explained about the possibility of additional lawsuits, "It is difficult to make a definitive statement, but it can be seen as open depending on the seriousness or degree of the matter." The decision to withdraw the lawsuit was made "very recently" and "was decided after discussion within the Blue House."

When reporters asked whether the president hired a private lawyer to review the lawsuit or if the Legal Secretary under the Office of Civil Affairs did so, the Blue House official said, "As the intention to punish is being withdrawn, asking where and when it was reviewed is not very meaningful," and requested to focus on the meaning of the withdrawal itself. When asked about the Blue House's stance on Rep. Lee Won-wook of the Democratic Party of Korea being the first in the ruling party to mention the 'Lee Jae-yong pardon theory,' the official replied, "It remains the same for now."