'Defamation of the Late Baek Nam-gi's Family' Conservative Group Leader Also Fined in Second Trial

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Jang Ki-jung, the representative of the Free Youth Union, who was indicted for defaming the late farmer activist Baek Nam-gi's bereaved family, was sentenced to a fine in the appellate court following the first trial.

The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Appeal Division 8-3 (Presiding Judges Jang Yoon-sun, Kim Ye-young, Jang Sung-hak) on the 18th sentenced Jang to a fine of 10 million won for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, the same as in the first trial.

The court stated, "The original court's judgment that the content of the post constitutes a statement of specific facts appears to be justifiable," and added, "In our country, which values humanity and filial piety, there is a negative image associated with neglecting support obligations and going on vacation abroad."

It continued, "The defendant's writing contains expressions that arouse suspicion about the sincerity of the victims' concern over their father's death, which is recognized as having the purpose of defamation."

Furthermore, it explained, "The purpose of defamation is not only recognized when false facts are posted."

Jang was accused by the bereaved family for posting writings and drawings on internet sites and social networking services (SNS) in October 2016, claiming that Baek's daughter enjoyed a vacation at an overseas resort despite her father's critical condition and that the bereaved family caused his death by refusing treatment.

The prosecution indicted Jang applying defamation by false facts as the principal charge and defamation by true facts as the alternative charge in case the principal charge was not accepted.

The first trial recognized only the alternative charge of defamation by true facts as guilty and sentenced him to a fine.

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