[Summary] Kang Yong-seok, accused of defaming President Moon, returns home after 8-hour investigation... Gaseyeon protests "Obvious oppression"

Kang Yong-seok "Doubtful About Admission of Defamation Charges"
Gaseyeon Side "Intent to Destroy Right-Wing YouTubers" Backlash

YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (Gaseyeon) member lawyer Kang Yong-seok is answering questions from reporters as he enters the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for an investigation last July. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Kang Yong-seok, a lawyer and member of the YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute' (Gaseyeon), was arrested by the police on the 8th, investigated for eight hours, and then released.

Kang was previously reported by the Democratic Party for allegedly spreading false information on a Gaseyeon broadcast in March, claiming that President Moon Jae-in shook hands with Lee Man-hee, the chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji).

According to media reports, Kang is accused of spreading false information on the March 2 Gaseyeon broadcast by revealing a photo from eight years ago reported by 'Cheonji Ilbo,' implying that President Moon shook hands with Chairman Lee. However, it was later confirmed that the person shaking hands with President Moon in the photo was not Chairman Lee.

Previously, Kang had failed to comply with four summons requests over about three months from September to November. Consequently, the court issued an arrest warrant, and Kang was arrested at his home.

From the left, Gaseyeon members Kim Yong-ho, Entertainment Chief, Lawyer Kang Yong-seok, and CEO Kim Se-ui. / Photo by Gaseyeon capture

After the investigation ended that day, Kang told reporters, "I immediately clarified that the broadcast content was a false report," adding, "It feels like the Moon Jae-in administration's oppression has officially begun."

He continued, "I doubt whether the defamation charge itself is valid, but they issued an arrest warrant on a charge that is hard to accept and detained me, a former lawyer and current lawmaker, from early morning," and claimed, "Anyone criticizing the Moon Jae-in administration in comments could be arrested anytime, anywhere."

Meanwhile, Gaseyeon members Kim Se-ui, the representative, and Kim Yong-ho, the entertainment chief, held a live broadcast that afternoon, protesting that this was an attempt to suppress YouTubers with specific political leanings.

During the broadcast, Gaseyeon stated, "The lawyer's wife was sobbing as she sent photos," and explained, "(Kang) was eating about half a loaf of bread when three police officers suddenly burst in and arrested him."

Gaseyeon released a photo sent by Attorney Kang's wife on the 8th. / Photo by Gaseyeon Capture

They added, "There was no risk of flight or evidence tampering, yet he was arrested at home," lamenting, "Anyone can see this is violence and right-wing oppression."

Gaseyeon also revealed photos of an empty cup and half-eaten bread taken by Kang.

Chief Kim said, "This is a pretext to suppress Garosero Research Institute and crush right-wing YouTubers. The Moon Jae-in administration's intention is evident," and claimed, "Even though this is not a huge incident, the strong investigation indicates orders from higher-ups."

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