Air Force Public Relations Officer Accused of Defaming Late Sergeant Lee Yeram Appears for Detention Hearing

Defamation of Lion, Leak of Investigation Materials, and Other Charges
Silent in Response to Reporters' Questions

Air Force officer B (center), a mid-ranking officer who was charged with defamation of the late Sergeant Lee Yeram, a victim of sexual violence in the Air Force, and leaking investigation materials, is attending the warrant hearing held on the 17th at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Officer A, belonging to the Air Force Public Affairs and Information Office, who is accused of defaming the honor of the late Sergeant Lee Yeram, a victim of sexual violence in the Air Force, and leaking investigation materials, appeared for a pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant review) on the 17th.

Seoul Central District Court Judge Kim Sangwoo, in charge of warrant reviews, is conducting the warrant review for Officer A from 10:30 a.m. that day. He arrived at the court around 9:52 a.m. and entered the courtroom without responding to reporters' questions such as "Do you admit the charges?" and "Do you have anything to say to the bereaved family now?"

Earlier, on the 15th, the special prosecution team led by Special Prosecutor Ahn Miyoung (56, 25th Judicial Research and Training Institute class) announced that they had requested a pre-arrest warrant for Officer A of the Air Force Headquarters Public Affairs and Information Office on charges including defamation of a deceased person and leaking official secrets.

According to the special prosecution team, after Sergeant Lee's death, multiple media reports raised suspicions of the Air Force covering up the incident and the possibility of the Air Force Chief of Staff being dismissed due to command responsibility. Facing unfavorable public opinion, Officer A, responsible for the Air Force's public affairs, is accused of arbitrarily distorting the cause of Sergeant Lee's death to reverse the negative public opinion and prevent the resignation of the Air Force Chief of Staff. Along with this, he is also accused of leaking key evidence and detailed investigation information.

The special prosecution team stated that Officer A's actions constitute serious secondary harm (Nth-degree victimization) to Sergeant Lee and the bereaved family, as well as a grave crime involving the leakage of evidence and investigation details under the guise of public affairs duties.

Additionally, the special prosecution team added that there are indications Officer A attempted to destroy evidence during the special investigation process, making detention and investigation essential.