Former Journalist Referred to Prosecution for Defaming President Lee's Late Father

The Andong Police Station in North Gyeongsang Province announced on December 26 that former journalist Mr. A has been referred to the prosecution on charges including defamation of the deceased, for publishing a book containing false information about President Lee Jaemyung's late father, Lee Kyunghee, and for discussing related content on YouTube.

Mr. A is accused of publishing a book in August of last year that claimed the deceased had embezzled payment for tobacco leaves and fled in the night while still alive.

He is also accused of appearing as a panelist on a current affairs program on YouTube in October of the same year, where he stated, "Lee Jaemyung's father caused a huge incident and fled his hometown in the middle of the night," and "Around 1972 to 1973, he disappeared with the entire village's payment for tobacco leaves."

The police launched an investigation in April after President Lee's older brother filed a complaint against Mr. A regarding the allegations.

A police official stated, "Mr. A was unable to provide evidence to support his claims," adding, "He has been referred to the prosecution on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and defamation of the deceased."