‘Choo Mi-ae Son Military Favoritism’ Allegation Duty Soldier... Police Decide Not to Prosecute

Defamation Charges, Former Minister Chu "Does Not Wish for Punishment"
No Charges for Obstruction of Business

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The police have decided not to prosecute a case in which a civic group filed a complaint against a duty soldier who raised allegations of preferential treatment during the military service of the son of former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae.

According to the police on the 24th, the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency issued a non-prosecution disposition due to lack of prosecutorial jurisdiction and lack of evidence against Mr. Hyun, who was accused of defamation and obstruction of business on the 27th of last month.

Regarding the defamation charges against former Minister Choo, the police stated, "The victim (former Minister Choo) submitted a statement of intention not to seek punishment for the suspect."

Furthermore, concerning the charge of obstructing business by spreading false information that caused media outlets to make incorrect reports, the police said, "It is difficult to see that there was intent or awareness to obstruct the media's work or that there was a risk of interference with the media's operations."

The civic group Judicial Justice Citizens' Action (Sasehaeng) filed a complaint with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in September 2020 against duty soldier Mr. Hyun and others for defamation and other charges, alleging preferential treatment during the military service of former Minister Choo's son, Mr. Seo (29). At that time, Sasehaeng claimed, "They slandered Minister Choo and her son with highly subjective speculation and false claims."

After the case was transferred to the police, former Minister Choo's side submitted a letter of non-punishment on November 26 of the same year, stating that they did not wish to punish Mr. Hyun. Defamation is a quasi-offense, and if the victim does not wish to punish, prosecution cannot be initiated.