‘Yoo Si-min Charged with Defamation of Han Dong-hoon, Sentenced to 5 Million Won Fine in First Trial (Comprehensive)’

At 2:29 p.m. on the 9th, Yoo Si-min, former director of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, who was sentenced to a fine in the first trial for 'defamation of Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon,' is responding to questions from the press.
Photo by Oh Gyu-min moh011@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] Yoo Si-min, former director of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, who was accused of defaming Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, was sentenced to a fine in the first trial.

The Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 7 (Presiding Judge Jeong Cheol-min) sentenced Yoo, who was tried for defamation by radio, to a fine of 5 million won at 2 p.m. on the 9th.

The court pointed out, "The defendant's remarks inevitably contribute significantly to public opinion formation," and "Despite several explanations from the prosecution, the defendant did not relent and reported that the victim (Minister Han) looked into the defendant's account, who criticized former Minister Cho Kuk and his family’s investigation."

Furthermore, the court added, "Such actions can severely distort the process of public opinion formation, and it appears that the victim suffered considerable mental distress as he was perceived as a prosecutor abusing investigative authority and wishes for punishment."

However, the court explained the sentencing rationale, stating, "The defendant also had circumstances that could raise suspicion, and the fact that the prosecutor investigated to retaliate against someone is inevitably a matter of public interest," and "It seems the victim must endure criticism regarding the allegations, which should be resolved through explanation and counterarguments. Considering that the defendant posted an apology and the victim was appointed as Minister of Justice afterward, restoring his honor as a prosecutor, these factors were taken into account."

In response, Yoo said after the sentencing, when asked by reporters about an appeal, "I will contest for innocence through an appeal." He also quoted Mencius’s maxim ‘無恕吾之心 非人也 (Musuoji sim biin ya)’ regarding Minister Han, saying, "Both Han Dong-hoon and I can make mistakes, and when that happens, there should be a sense of shame."

In December 2019, Yoo appeared on the YouTube channel ‘Alileo’ and claimed, "I confirmed that the prosecution looked into the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation’s accounts. I suspect they also looked into my personal accounts. I think they conducted a background check on me."

Additionally, in July of the following year, he raised suspicions on MBC Radio’s ‘Kim Jong-bae’s Focus’ that "It is highly likely that the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Division, where Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon was, looked into the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation’s accounts," leading to charges of defaming Minister Han.

Meanwhile, before the sentencing on the same day, when reporters asked Yoo if he had any intention to apologize to Minister Han Dong-hoon, he said, "Han Dong-hoon should apologize to me first."

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