Namguk Kim on Jang Ye-chan's 'Coin Suspicion' Claim, "Will Appeal" After 30 Million Won Compensation Ruling

"Appealing for the Sake of Political Expression and Freedom of the Press"

Jang Ye-chan, former Supreme Youth Member of the People Power Party, who raised allegations of 'illegal virtual asset (coin) trading' against former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-guk, announced that he will appeal after losing a damages lawsuit.

Jang Ye-chan, former Supreme Youth Committee Member of the People Power Party. Yonhap News Agency

On the 10th, Jang posted on his Facebook, "A civil court ruling ordered me to pay 30 million won in damages for my statements regarding former lawmaker Kim Nam-guk's illegal coin allegations. However, in the criminal case, both the police and prosecution concluded the case with no charges," adding, "I cannot accept that a matter acquitted in criminal court resulted in a 30 million won damages award in civil court."

He continued, "If this civil ruling is accepted, numerous media outlets that reported on former lawmaker Kim Nam-guk's illegal coin allegations could also be held liable," emphasizing, "I have no choice but to appeal for the sake of political expression and freedom of the press."

Earlier, in May 2023, Jang raised suspicions on social media and in a radio interview that former lawmaker Kim had illegally traded coins by having prior knowledge of listing information. In September of the same year, Kim filed a damages lawsuit against Jang.

On this day, Judge Han Woong-hee of the Civil Division 3 at Seoul Southern District Court ruled partially in favor of the plaintiff in the damages lawsuit filed by Kim against Jang. The court stated, "According to broadcasting review regulations, expressions that definitively label someone as a criminal should not be made until a court's final ruling is issued," and added, "Nevertheless, the defendant rejected the opportunity to correct his statements proposed by the host and instead actively asserted false facts."