Dongjae Lee, "I Was Subjected to Character Assassination in Choi Kangwook's Post... Strong Punishment Is Needed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Former Channel A reporter Lee Dong-jae pleaded for severe punishment, claiming he was subjected to 'character assassination' by Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, who was indicted for spreading false information about him.

At the trial of Choi held on the 23rd at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Kim Tae-gyun of Criminal Division 16, former reporter Lee appeared as a witness and said, "The claim that the reporter said 'it doesn't matter if it's not true' is absurd and amounts to character assassination."

When the prosecution asked whether Choi had made statements similar to those posted on social media last April under the title 'Summary of Reporter Lee Dong-jae's Remarks' to former VIK (Value Invest Korea) CEO Lee Cheol or his representatives, Lee strongly denied it, saying, "I cannot even imagine such a bizarre thing."

The post by Choi at the time included statements such as, "Mr. Lee, it doesn't matter if it's not true. To save yourself, just say you gave money to Yoo Si-min, and that will be the end of it. We will take care of the rest." It also said, "Just close your eyes and say you handed money to Yoo Si-min. Then follow the scenario we have prepared. We have already prepared people to sue to the prosecution."

Lee said, "YouTube videos covering the claim that I said 'it doesn't matter if it's not true' have been viewed by tens of millions of people," adding, "The most heartbreaking malicious comments I found were telling me to 'commit suicide' or 'drive a Matiz to commit suicide'."

When asked if he wanted Choi to be punished, Lee responded, "I hoped he would apologize when I was acquitted, but instead of apologizing, what is this?" He continued, "I hope he receives the strongest punishment so that people in our country realize that the rule of law exists."

Choi's side argues that the content of the post was not a direct quote of Lee's remarks but a commentary conveying the gist of the statements, and therefore cannot be considered defamation.

Meanwhile, former reporter Lee was recently acquitted in the first trial after being detained and indicted on charges of attempted coercion against former CEO Lee Cheol. The court pointed out that Lee's actions violated journalistic ethics but ruled that they could not be considered threats.