"Limits on Identifying and Punishing Authors of 'If You’re Upset, Transfer to LH'"

Uncertain Cooperation in 'Blind' Investigation
Challenges in Applying Defamation and Other Charges

[Asia Economy reporters Seongpil Jo and Seungyun Song] The police have begun investigating the author of a mocking post related to the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) that was uploaded on the anonymous workplace social networking service (SNS) 'Blind.' The police plan to review whether the post violates any laws. Legal experts point out that there are clear limitations from the outset, including identifying the poster and applying charges.

According to the police on the 16th, the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency summoned the deputy head of the department in charge, who was delegated related duties by the acting president of LH, the complainant in this case, and completed the first complainant investigation yesterday. Earlier, on the 14th, LH filed a complaint with the Jinju Police Station in Gyeongnam against the presumed LH employee who posted on Blind, accusing them of defamation, credit damage, and insult. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Gyeongnam Police Agency decided to investigate the case directly.

The author posted on the Blind anonymous board on the 9th under the title "They don't care internally," expressing outrage with statements such as "I will diligently speculate under a borrowed name and enjoy the benefits until retirement," and "This is the exclusive benefit and welfare of our company," in relation to the LH speculation scandal. Since Blind requires authentication through the company's email account to join, the author is presumed to be an LH employee. However, due to the nature of Blind, many expect that identifying the author itself will not be easy. Even if technically possible, it is uncertain whether Blind, which emphasizes security as a core value, will cooperate with the investigation.

View of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) Gwacheon Uiwang Project Headquarters. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

Even if the author is identified, applying charges is not easy. Although the post may have provoked public outrage, it does not constitute defamation under criminal law. For defamation to be established, the attack must be malicious or grossly negligent and be evaluated as significantly lacking in justification. Attorney Junsung Jang of Law Firm How said, "Punishment for defamation is possible only if the content goes beyond socially acceptable limits," adding, "It seems difficult based on this content alone."

The likelihood of acquittal in court is high. The Supreme Court has ruled that government agencies cannot be victims of defamation. In a 2003 ruling, the Supreme Court stated, "Matters related to the performance of duties by the government or state agencies must always be subject to public scrutiny and criticism, and government or state agencies cannot be victims under criminal law." Attorney Jang added, "While individual members of LH, not LH itself, can be victims of defamation, it is difficult to see that the post specifically targeted any particular member."

Separately from this complaint, LH plans to take all possible measures, including immediate dismissal and disciplinary action as well as civil damage claims, if the author is confirmed to be an actual LH employee. However, there is considerable public criticism that the response is excessive for a 'side issue' rather than the core speculation scandal itself.

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