‘Defamation of Former KMA President Choi Dae-jip’ Baek Eun-jong, Seoul Voice CEO... 5 Million Won Fine in First Trial

Law, Reporter Lee Myung-su and Former Reporter Kim Sentenced to 3 Million Won Fine
"Intruded into Max Jip's Office with Restricted Access, Obstructing Work"

On the 15th, in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, members of the Reform and Transition Candlelight Action Solidarity held a press conference condemning the "Withdrawal of Han Dong-hoon's nomination! Immediate investigation of Kim Geon-hee! Condemnation of the prosecution's public intimidation and rampage." Baek Eun-jong, the representative of Seoul Voice, is speaking. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The court sentenced Baek Eun-jong, CEO of Seoul Voice, and other related parties who were indicted for slandering and verbally abusing Choi Dae-jip, former president of the Korean Medical Association, to fines.

On the 28th at 10 a.m., Judge Kang Seong-su of the Criminal Division 1 at the Seoul Western District Court sentenced Baek Eun-jong, CEO of Seoul Voice, who was tried for obstruction of business and trespassing, to a fine of 5 million won, and reporters Lee Myung-su and former reporter Kim to fines of 3 million won each.

Judge Kang stated, “The defendants jointly trespassed into the victim’s office, which was restricted access, according to a premeditated plan and obstructed business. CEO Baek and reporter Lee have prior records of joint offenses and must bear responsibility.” However, he added, “The defendants admitted to the facts of the crime, expressed remorse, and stated they would change their reporting methods,” explaining the sentencing rationale.

During the trial, Baek’s side argued that “the acts were to expose former President Choi’s politically biased behavior and are actions that can sufficiently occur during the reporting process, thus not violating social norms,” claiming that illegality should be excused. In response, Judge Kang ruled, “Based on the evidence adopted by the court, the defendants’ actions do not constitute justifiable conduct.”

However, the insult charge against CEO Baek was dismissed as former President Choi withdrew the complaint.

Baek is accused of slandering and verbally abusing former President Choi at the Korean Medical Association building in March 2020. At that time, Baek told Choi, “Ilbe members dismantled the COVID-19 Pan-Medical Committee.” Baek, Lee Myung-su, and former reporter Kim are also accused of trespassing into former President Choi’s office.

Subsequently, Baek filmed the scene and posted three articles titled “Reporting on the Punishment of Korean Medical Association’s Choi Dae-jip... ‘Even Doctors Are Being Branded as Reds!’”