Ahn Hee-jung's Close Associate Refutes 'Kim Ji-eun Malicious Comment Charges' in Trial

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] A close aide of former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung, who wrote defamatory comments about Kim Ji-eun, the former governor's executive secretary, denied the charges in court.

On the 24th, Judge Jin Jae-kyung of the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 3 held the first pretrial hearing for Oh (37), who was indicted for violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. (defamation) and insult.

Oh was prosecuted for posting comments in March 2018 on articles related to Kim, mentioning her divorce and including initials of curse words. At the hearing, Oh's side argued, "The fact of divorce is a value-neutral expression and cannot be considered defamation, and simply using initials does not necessarily constitute insulting language," claiming innocence.

They added, "Kim appeared on a live news broadcast herself to reveal the sexual assault by former Governor Ahn, making her a public figure with public interest and social relevance," and stated, "This concerns a matter of public interest, and the facts stated contribute to shaping social opinion for the public good regarding the credibility of the victim's testimony."

The court decided to hold the first trial on September 4 to organize positions on evidence and other matters.

The National Sexual Violence Counseling Center Association filed charges in March 2018 against Oh, two other close aides of former Governor Ahn, and 21 others who wrote comments, for defamation and insult.

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