Former Samsung Pitcher An Ji-man Denies Charges in First Trial for Defamation Allegation

Former professional baseball pitcher An Ji-man of the Samsung Lions.
Photo by Hyunmin Kim

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[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, Legal Affairs Specialist] Former professional baseball Samsung Lions pitcher An Ji-man (38) denied the charges in the first trial for defamation and insult against an internet broadcast host.

On the 26th, during the first hearing of An’s case for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act at Daegu District Court, Criminal Division 5 (Presiding Judge Kwon Min-oh), An responded "I do not admit" when asked by the court whether he acknowledged the prosecution’s allegations.

An was prosecuted for posting false information on the notice board of his internet broadcast in April last year, claiming that another internet broadcast host had been subject to a summary order.

Initially, the prosecution filed a summary indictment against An with a fine of 2 million KRW, but An appealed and requested a formal trial.

On this day, the court stated, "It seems necessary to refine the legal reasoning further," and added, "Following An’s request for a public defender, one will be appointed, and the trial procedures including opinions on evidence and witness examination will proceed."

Previously, An was prosecuted in 2016 for involvement in operating an illegal sports gambling site and was sentenced in the 2018 retrial to six months imprisonment with a two-year probation.

The next trial for An is scheduled for 11 a.m. on the 24th of next month.

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