'Defamation of Han Dong-hoon' 1st Trial: Both Yoo Si-min and Prosecution Appeal... Mutual Appeals (Comprehensive)

Yu Jeon Chairman's Side
Files Appeal on the 15th

At around 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 reporters' questions.
Photo by Oh Gyu-min moh011@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] Former Roh Moo-hyun Foundation director Yoo Si-min and the prosecution both appealed after Yoo was sentenced to a fine in the first trial for defamation of Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon.

According to the court on the 15th, Yoo's side filed an appeal with the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 7 (Presiding Judge Jeong Cheol-min) on the same day. The prosecution had appealed first the day before.

After the first trial verdict on the 9th, Yoo stated his intention to appeal, saying, "Some charges were acquitted, some convicted. The prosecution is likely to appeal as well, so I will respect the judgment's intent and appeal to contest all the charges of guilt."

The first trial court sentenced Yoo, who was indicted for defamation via radio, to a fine of 5 million won.

The court stated, "Despite multiple clarifications from the prosecution, the defendant persisted in reporting that the victim (Minister Han) had looked into the defendant’s account, who criticized former Minister Cho Kuk and his family’s investigation. Such actions can severely distort the public opinion formation process, and it appears the victim suffered considerable mental distress as he was perceived as a prosecutor abusing investigative authority and desires punishment."

However, the court added, "The defendant also had reasonable grounds for suspicion, and the fact that the prosecutor conducted the investigation as retaliation against someone is inevitably a matter of public interest. The victim must also endure criticism regarding the allegations, which should be resolved through explanation and counterarguments. Considering that the defendant posted an apology and the victim’s honor as a prosecutor was restored after his appointment as Minister of Justice, these factors were taken into account in sentencing."

Yoo is accused of defaming Minister Han by raising suspicions in December 2019 on the YouTube channel ‘Alileo,’ stating, "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." In July of the following year, on MBC radio’s ‘Kim Jong-bae’s Focus,’ he alleged, "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."

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