Prosecutors Decline to Prosecute Defamation Complaint Against Duty Soldier Over Ahn Cheol-soo's Son's 'Vacation No-Return' Case

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The prosecution has decided not to indict Private Hyun Mo, who raised suspicions about the failure of former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae's son to return from military leave, in a defamation case filed against former Minister Chu and others.

According to the legal community on the 17th, the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Deok-gon) ruled 'no charges' due to insufficient evidence against former Minister Chu and her son Seo's legal representatives.

Previously, in October last year, Private Hyun filed a complaint with the prosecution accusing former Minister Chu and her son's lawyers of defaming him by spreading falsehoods denying the allegations.

Private Hyun claimed that on June 25, 2017, while on duty, he noticed that Seo had not returned to the unit despite his leave having ended and ordered him to return by phone. During the investigation last year, the prosecution also secured a statement from Seo confirming he received the return call from Private Hyun.

However, Seo's legal representatives denied this, stating, "There was no occasion to speak with Private Hyun, nor did such a call take place." Former Minister Chu also denied the allegations, calling them "reports based on misunderstanding and speculation."

The prosecution reportedly decided on non-indictment, concluding that their statements were merely subjective evaluations or opinions without intent to defame.

Meanwhile, Private Hyun has appealed the prosecution's non-indictment decision. Additionally, since raising the suspicions, Private Hyun has filed complaints with the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station against about 5,000 netizens who defamed and insulted him online, charging them with defamation and insult.

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