[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The prosecution has requested fines for a comprehensive programming channel (Jongpyeon) reporter and PD who were prosecuted after visiting the home of Cho Min, daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, to investigate allegations of admission fraud.
At the sentencing hearing held at 5 p.m. on the 10th before Judge Lee Geunsu of the Criminal Division 3 at Seoul Southern District Court, the prosecution requested that TV Chosun reporter A and PD B, who were indicted for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes including Violence, be each sentenced to a fine of 2 million won.
The prosecution argued, "Approaching a source during newsgathering activities included in freedom of the press is not unlimited and must be conducted within the bounds that do not infringe on other rights," adding, "Entering twice without obtaining any consent or response from the victim, who was living alone at the time, likely caused considerable fear."
On the other hand, A’s side appealed for leniency, citing that the visit occurred around 5:45 p.m., which is not late at night, and that the purpose was to guarantee the right to rebuttal regarding the investigation into Cho’s medical school admission allegations. They also stated that they did not pull the door handle or knock on the door.
The defense attorney emphasized, "Is pressing the doorbell a few times simply to hear a rebuttal really a major criminal act? We cannot help but worry about how much this will restrict future journalistic activities," stressing, "This case should be highly evaluated as a legitimate act."
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