Kang Yong-seok Denies Charges in First Trial Over 'Park Soo-hyun Defamation', Calls Prosecution Excessive

Three Gaseyeon Members Charged with 'Violation of Public Official Election Act' Appear in Court

Ahead of the April 15 general election last year, lawyer Kang Yong-seok, who was indicted on charges including defamation of former Blue House spokesperson Park Soo-hyun on a YouTube channel, is attending a trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 2nd.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Lawyer Kang Yongseok, who was indicted for defaming former Blue House spokesperson Park Suhyun, denied the charges at the first trial.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 27 (Chief Judge Kim Seonil) held the first trial of the three members of the Garoseuro Research Institute (Gaseyeon), including lawyer Kang, former MBC reporter Kim Seui, and former Sports World reporter Kim Yongho. As it was a formal trial, all defendants appeared in court that day.

They were prosecuted for violating the Public Official Election Act by inviting specific party candidates to the YouTube channel Gaseyeon during the 4.15 general election last year and conducting 'outdoor interviews' during the election period.

Lawyer Kang was also indicted on charges of defamation for claiming on Gaseyeon that "former Blue House spokesperson Park Suhyun resigned from the spokesperson position due to women's issues."

On that day, Lawyer Kang appeared in court and told reporters, "Looking at the progress of the preparatory hearing, it can be confirmed that the prosecution made a very unreasonable indictment," and added, "I intend to be found not guilty on all charges." He also claimed, "The indictment was made with intent during the tenure of Lee Sung-yoon, the then head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (currently Seoul High Prosecutors' Office chief)."

At the previous preparatory hearing, Kang's defense attorney argued, "It is true that former spokesperson Park had women's issues and resigned from the Chungnam governor candidate position (not the spokesperson position)," and added, "Even if it is false, it was due to a mistake."

The next trial is scheduled for 11 a.m. on the 14th of next month.

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