Channel A Incident: Former Reporter Lee Dong-jae Loses First Trial in Unfair Dismissal Lawsuit

Seoul Central District Court, Seocho-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Honam Moon munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The court ruled that Channel A's dismissal of former reporter Lee Dong-jae in connection with the 'Channel A incident' was justified.

On the morning of the 15th, the Civil Division 41 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Jeong Bong-gi) dismissed the plaintiff's claim in the first trial of the invalidation of dismissal lawsuit filed by former reporter Lee against Channel A, stating, "Since it was recognized that journalistic ethics were violated, the dismissal was deemed justified."

On that day, the court stated, "Although the criminal trial acquitted the plaintiff on the grounds that there was 'no specific notice of harm,' the plaintiff mentioned that the investigation of the ShillaJen case could lead to an extended prison term and punishment of family members, or that it could influence future trials," adding, "Such actions to obtain desired news information deviate from proper journalistic ethics."

Furthermore, the court said, "Even if it was an act to gain the informant's trust, actions such as using falsely created transcripts are difficult to recognize as legitimate journalistic methods," and added, "These actions also violate the practical guidelines of organizations such as the Korea Journalists Association."

Earlier, former reporter Lee was dismissed in June 2020 while investigations were ongoing regarding suspicions related to the Channel A incident. In November of the same year, he filed a civil lawsuit against the company, requesting confirmation that the dismissal was invalid.

This case began in April 2020 when the Citizens' Coalition for Democratic Media filed a complaint against former reporter Lee and then-Prosecutor General Han Dong-hoon, now Minister of Justice, based on MBC's report on 'collusion between prosecution and media.' It was alleged that Channel A reporters, leveraging their friendship with Minister Han, forced 'Informant X,' associated with former ValueInvest Korea CEO Lee Cheol, to provide tips implicating ruling party figures such as former Roh Moo-hyun Foundation Chairman Yoo Si-min in the ShillaJen case.

The prosecution indicted former reporter Lee on charges of attempted coercion and sought a prison sentence of 1 year and 6 months. However, in July last year, the first criminal trial acquitted him, ruling that his actions could not be seen as threatening the source by notifying of 'specific harm.' The second trial sentencing date for the criminal appeal by the prosecution is scheduled for the 19th of next month.

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