Prosecution Seeks 2-Year Prison Sentence in 2nd Trial for Lee Sang-ho over 'Defamation of Kim Kwang-seok's Wife'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The prosecution has requested a prison sentence again in the appellate trial for reporter Lee Sang-ho of the Go Bal News, who defamed the late singer Kim Kwang-seok's wife, Seo Hae-soon.

On the 18th, at the appellate trial held before the Criminal Division 6-1 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Kim Yong-ha, Jung Chong-ryeong, Jo Eun-rae), the prosecution asked the court to "sentence the defendant to two years in prison."

The prosecution stated, "Although complex charges and extensive evidence to prove them were submitted in the first trial, the trial was conducted as a citizen participation trial, and due to time constraints, sufficient evidence investigation was not conducted."

They continued, "The defendant used highly influential media such as films and press conferences to spread groundless facts related to the victim's family's private life, severely infringing on the victim's honor and personal rights," emphasizing, "The victim still suffers psychological and mental distress due to the defendant's crime."

Furthermore, they added, "If such behavior by the defendant is tolerated, it legally permits accusing innocent individuals of murder based solely on suspicion, curiosity, or speculation."

In his final statement, Lee said, "If there were inappropriate expressions as a reporter, it was not intended to defame Ms. Seo's honor but was a result of personal shock and lack of character," expressing "regret."

He also appealed, "I ask the court to consider that I approached the Kim Kwang-seok case as an example to raise issues about the public's right to know and the improvement of the criminal case system."

Lee was prosecuted on charges of defaming Seo by spreading false information that she killed Kim Kwang-seok and their daughter through the film 'Kim Kwang-seok' and press conferences, and was acquitted unanimously by the jury in the first trial conducted as a citizen participation trial.

The appellate trial verdict for Lee will be announced on the 7th of next month.