[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The first trial sentencing hearing for Choi Kang-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was indicted for spreading false information about former Channel A reporter Lee Dong-jae in connection with the so-called 'Channel A incident,' will be held on the 4th.
At 10 a.m. that day, Judge Kim Taekyun of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 16 will preside over the sentencing hearing of Choi, who was charged with defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act.
Choi is accused of damaging Lee’s reputation by posting a message titled 'Summary of Channel A reporter’s statements in letters and transcripts' on his social media account on April 3, 2020.
The post reportedly contained statements that Lee told former Value Invest Korea (VIK) CEO Lee Cheol, "Just close your eyes and say you gave money to Yoo Si-min," and "We will search Yoo Si-min’s house and family, as well as the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, where Yoo serves as chairman."
Choi’s side denied the charges during the trial, arguing that "the content was based on information received from a source, so it cannot be considered false, and that the post merely conveyed the gist of Lee’s statements along with commentary."
On the other hand, Lee demanded severe punishment for Choi, claiming he suffered 'character assassination.' Lee was previously indicted on attempted coercion charges but was acquitted in the first trial. The prosecution requested the court to sentence Choi to 10 months in prison.
Meanwhile, Choi is also awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision after receiving an 8-month prison sentence with a 2-year probation in the first and second trials for obstruction of business, related to issuing a false internship certificate to Cho Mo, son of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk.
He is also undergoing an appeal trial after being fined 800,000 won in the first trial for violating the Public Official Election Act by falsely claiming on an internet podcast before the 2020 general election that Cho had actually participated in internship activities.
Elected officials are disqualified from office if they are fined 1 million won or more for violating the Public Official Election Act or if they receive a prison sentence or higher in general criminal cases.
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