Allegation of Disclosure of Official Secrets
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] A police officer who was indicted for leaking to the media an internal investigation report related to the stock manipulation allegations involving Kim Geon-hee was given a suspended sentence again in the second trial.
The 1-2 Criminal Appeal Division of the Seoul Eastern District Court (Chief Judge Kim Dong-hyun) dismissed the prosecution's appeal against police officer A, who was charged with leaking official secrets, and suspended the sentence on the 8th.
The court pointed out, "The defendant, as a police officer, had an obligation to strictly keep official secrets but leaked investigation information arbitrarily to make it public, so the crime is not minor." However, it also explained, "While there is an obligation to keep official secrets as a police officer, this incident led to the proper investigation of a matter that had been halted, which aligns with the public interest."
A suspended sentence is a ruling where the court refrains from sentencing for a certain period, and if no issues arise during the suspension period, the sentence is considered nullified. It is given to defendants of minor crimes.
Officer Song was brought to trial in February on charges of leaking an internal police investigation report mentioning Mrs. Kim, which he received from a fellow officer in September 2019, to reporters from two media outlets.
Song's lawyer pleaded for leniency, stating, "At the time, Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol did not properly submit materials during the confirmation hearing, so the tip-off was made for the purpose of moral verification," adding, "Rather, a crime that was about to be buried was brought to light."
Meanwhile, the first trial court handed down a suspended sentence in April, and the prosecution appealed, arguing the sentence was too light and requested a one-year prison term.
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