Jokuk Files 400 Million Won Defamation Lawsuit Against Chosun Ilbo Reporter for 'False Reporting'

Includes Social Affairs Chief and Editorial Director as Authors
"Entire Content of Daughter-Related Article is Fabricated" Criticism
"'Correction' Shows No Serious Reflection"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk has filed a lawsuit against reporters from media outlets who made false reports about his daughter.

Cho's legal representatives announced on the 2nd that they filed a damages lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court seeking a total of 400 million KRW in compensation from two reporters affiliated with the Chosun Ilbo, the head of the social affairs department, and the editor-in-chief. Specifically, they demanded 150 million KRW each from the two reporters who wrote the problematic articles, and 50 million KRW each from the head of the social affairs department and the editor-in-chief. Earlier, on the 31st of last month, Cho had filed a criminal complaint against them for defamation by publication.

The article in question, which Cho's side took issue with, was published on the 28th of last month and concerned his daughter. It reported that Cho's daughter unilaterally visited Professor A, a department head at the dermatology department of Severance Hospital, and expressed her desire to intern there if she passed the medical licensing exam. The article also included that Professor A conveyed to his superiors that he felt embarrassed and burdened by the meeting.

Cho's side stated regarding the report, "At Severance Hospital, no one was ever asked or requested anything of this nature," and claimed, "The entire content of the article is fabricated." They further criticized, "The article completely falsified facts to incite hatred and insult against Cho and his daughter," adding, "It raises suspicion that the article was created with a clear malicious intent to defame by fabricating nonexistent facts."

Regarding the 'Correction' issued by Chosun Ilbo the day after the report, Cho's side pointed out, "Although it was stated that the issue occurred during the process of verifying the 'second source,' there was no sincere apology such as an explanation of the fabrication process, investigation of the reporters and responsible parties involved, or acceptance of legal responsibility," and added, "As a result, the comments on the 'Correction' continue to include additional slanders and baseless suspicions."

Meanwhile, Cho also mentioned that regarding Kang Yong-seok, who referred to the matter on the YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute' (Gaseyeon), "We plan to add claims and increase the amount of damages in the already filed lawsuit."

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