Donggwan Lee Loses First Trial in 500 Million Won Defamation Suit Against YTN Over Spouse Favoritism Allegations Report

Former Broadcasting and Communications Commission Chairman Lee Dong-kwan lost the first trial in a lawsuit seeking 500 million won in damages against YTN, which reported allegations of his spouse's solicitation.

The Civil Division 25 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Song Seung-woo) ruled on the 28th that former Chairman Lee lost the damages claim lawsuit filed against former YTN President Woo Jang-gyun and affiliated reporters.

Former Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission Dong-gwan Lee. Photo by Yongjun Cho jun21@

The court dismissed former Chairman Lee's claim and ordered him to bear all litigation costs.

The court did not disclose the reasons for the verdict in the courtroom that day.

YTN reported in August last year, during former Chairman Lee's confirmation hearing, allegations that his wife received money in 2010 along with a personnel solicitation and returned it only after two months.

In response, former Chairman Lee stated, "I requested a report confirming that the guilty verdict of the person identified as the party involved in the personnel solicitation included that my spouse returned the money immediately upon receipt, but YTN maliciously reported only one side's claims as they were," and filed a police complaint against YTN officials and a lawsuit seeking 500 million won in damages against former President Woo and the reporters.