'Son Seok-hee, fined 3 million won in summary order for assault charge against Kim Woong'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Son Seok-hee, CEO of JTBC (64), was fined 3 million won on charges of assaulting freelance reporter Kim Woong (50).

The Seoul Western District Court announced on the 2nd that it issued a summary order imposing a fine of 3 million won on Son, who was summarily indicted on charges including assault, on the 31st of last month. A summary indictment is a procedure in which the prosecution requests the court to impose a fine or penalty through written examination instead of a trial.

Son is accused of striking Kim’s shoulder and face with his hand in front of a Japanese-style pub in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on January 10 of last year. Son denied the charges, claiming, "Kim illegally requested employment, and when it did not go as he wished, he instead threatened me," and filed a complaint against Kim for attempted extortion and threats. In response, Kim filed a counter-complaint against Son in February of the same year on charges of assault causing injury, threats, and defamation. In January, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office summarily indicted Son on assault charges and decided not to prosecute him on charges including breach of trust in business, threats, defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, and false accusation.

Meanwhile, Kim, who was sued by Son, was formally tried on charges of attempted extortion. Kim is accused of demanding employment and money from Son while reporting on Son’s vehicle collision accident from August 2018 to January 2019 and showing an attitude as if he would criminalize the assault case. In relation to this, Son appeared as a witness at Kim’s trial on the 25th of last month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.