'Not Guilty of Defamation by Coast Guard' Hong Ga-hye Wins Final Lawsuit Against Media Company... Receives 60 Million Won Compensation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Hong Ga-hye, who was embroiled in controversy over a false interview during the Sewol ferry disaster, has won the final lawsuit against the media outlet that wrote critical articles about her.

The Supreme Court's 3rd Division (Presiding Justice Ahn Cheol-sang) on the 14th upheld the lower court's ruling partially in favor of Hong in her damages claim lawsuit against Digital Chosun Ilbo. As a result, Hong will receive 60 million KRW in damages.

Hong was prosecuted for defaming the Coast Guard’s honor after she said in a broadcast news interview on April 18, 2014, shortly after the Sewol ferry disaster, "The equipment and personnel that the Coast Guard promised to provide are not being deployed at all. The Coast Guard only sends civilian divers for a short time and tells them to leave."

The court acquitted her, stating that although her interview was somewhat exaggerated, it could not be considered false. This ruling was finalized by the Supreme Court in 2018.

While the criminal trial was ongoing in 2017, Hong filed a lawsuit against Digital Chosun Ilbo, which had reported on the case 31 times including claims that she gave a false interview, seeking 155 million KRW in damages. The first trial ruled in favor of Hong, judging that the articles published after her acquittal in the criminal trial were false. The appellate court upheld this decision.

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