Law: "Reports of Sexual Assault Allegations Against Defector Writer Are False... MBC Ordered to Pay 100 Million Won Compensation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] North Korean defector writer Jang Jinseong has been recognized for partial compensation responsibility in a lawsuit he filed against the MBC current affairs program 'Straight' for defamation over reports of sexual violence allegations against him. The court ruled that the content of the Straight report was false.

According to the legal community on the 30th, the Civil Division 12 of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Seong Jiho) partially ruled in favor of the plaintiff in the damages lawsuit filed by Jang and others against MBC. The court ordered MBC to pay a total compensation of 130 million KRW to Jang and others and to stop rebroadcasting or providing replays of the relevant reports.

The court judged the parts of the Straight report stating that "Mr. Jeonmo raped defendant A by quasi-rape and took nude photos which were sent to Jang" and "Jang threatened A using the nude photos and sexually assaulted her" as false. The court based this judgment on the fact that digital forensic analysis of Jang’s mobile phone by investigative authorities did not find any nude photos and that A’s testimony was inconsistent.

The court pointed out, "Even if the report concerns public interest, considering the fatal damage the false facts could cause to the plaintiffs, MBC and others should have conducted more thorough verification of the truthfulness of the facts than ever before." It also criticized, "Due to the false reports in this case, the plaintiffs have found it difficult to continue their normal social and economic activities and have suffered irreparable and serious damage."

Previously, MBC Straight aired two episodes in January and February 2021 titled 'Famous North Korean defector writer Jang Jinseong, the victim. Exposures by North Korean defector women' and 'North Korean defector writer Jang Jinseong sexual violence allegations Part 2 - Victims breaking their silence.' Subsequently, Jang and others filed a lawsuit demanding a total compensation of 3 billion KRW, claiming that their reputations were defamed by the false reports.