'Suspicion of Collusion Between Media and Prosecution' Lee Dong-jae's First Trial... Will Han Dong-hoon Be Mentioned in Conspiracy?

by Cho Seongpill

Published 26 Aug.2020 07:22(KST)

Former Channel A reporter Dong-jae Lee [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The first trial for former Channel A reporter Dongjae Lee, who has been indicted in connection with the so-called 'media-prosecutor collusion' allegations, will be held on the 26th.

Judge Jinhwan Park of the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 1 will conduct the first hearing that morning for Lee, who was detained and indicted on charges of attempted coercion, along with junior reporter Baek. Since formal criminal trials require the defendant's attendance, both Lee and Baek are expected to appear in court that day.

Lee and others are accused of repeatedly sending threatening letters to Cheol Lee, former CEO of Value Invest Korea (VIK) and major shareholder of SillaJen, to coerce him into reporting corruption involving Yusimni, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, but failing to succeed. The prosecution will read the indictment summary including these details. The defense is expected to respond with opinions on whether to admit the charges.

However, this case has raised suspicions that Prosecutor Donghoon Han, known as a close aide to Prosecutor General Seokyoul Yoon, conspired with Lee. The prosecution may have restricted access to investigation records citing that the investigation into former Prosecutor Han is not yet complete. If so, a standoff between the defense and prosecution over access to investigation records could cause delays in the trial.

Previously, the prosecution stated in the indictment that Lee and Prosecutor Han exchanged contacts about 327 times over approximately two months from January 26 to March 22, including 15 phone calls, 3 voice talks, and KakaoTalk messages. However, direct mention of conspiracy between the two was not made.

Meanwhile, the trial will proceed despite the Supreme Court's Judicial Administration Office's recommendation to suspend sessions. On the 21st, the Judicial Administration Office recommended nationwide courts operate trial schedules akin to a two-week recess to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). However, considering the nature of the case and Lee's detention, the trial panel is reportedly planning to proceed with the trial as scheduled.