Prosecutors Order Reinvestigation of Kim Eo-jun for Defamation of Former Channel A Reporter Lee Dong-jae

Kim Eo-jun, head of Ddanzi Ilbo, is attending a trial related to election law violations held at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-dong last December. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] Broadcaster Kim Eo-jun (55) has been sued for defamation by former Channel A reporter Lee Dong-jae, and the prosecution has instructed the police to reinvestigate the case.

According to the police on the 3rd, the Criminal Division 4 of the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Lee Wan-hee) requested the Seongbuk Police Station in Seoul to reinvestigate the defamation lawsuit filed by former reporter Lee against Kim on the 27th of last month. Under the Criminal Procedure Act, even if the police decide not to prosecute due to lack of evidence, they must reinvestigate if the prosecutor requests it.

Between April and November 2020, Kim made statements on his YouTube channel and radio program suggesting that former reporter Lee had approached former SillaJen CEO Lee Cheol, who was incarcerated, and threatened him to say that he gave money to Yoo Si-min.

In February last year, former reporter Lee filed a defamation complaint against Kim under the Information and Communications Network Act. However, in October last year, the police dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence.

A police official stated, "We plan to take a thorough look into the matter again."

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