South Korean actress Lee Young Ae has lost a defamation lawsuit against a YouTuber who alleged a long-standing friendship between her and First Lady Kim Keon Hee. On December 20, the Seoul Western District Court's Civil Agreement Division 12 (Presiding Judge Kim Jin Young) ruled against Lee in her claim for damages.
Lee Young Ae had filed a lawsuit against Jeong Cheon Soo, the former CEO of Open Sympathy TV, demanding 250 million KRW in compensation. She alleged that Jeong’s YouTube video about her alleged connection to Kim Keon Hee contained false information. The court, however, dismissed Lee’s claims.
The controversy began after Lee Young Ae donated 50 million KRW to the Syngman Rhee Memorial Foundation in September of last year. She stated that her intention was to acknowledge historical facts objectively, saying, “While acknowledging past mistakes, we should also recognize achievements and work towards unity.”
Shortly thereafter, Open Sympathy TV uploaded a video titled “[Monday Report] Kim Keon Hee, Lee Young Ae, and Kim Haeng,” claiming a long-standing friendship between Lee and the First Lady.
Lee Young Ae’s legal team quickly refuted the allegations. Attorney Lee Seok In of the law firm DaDam stated in an interview with Dispatch that a certified letter had been sent demanding an apology and the removal of the video. “We requested the cessation of the broadcast and a formal apology,” he said.
Lee also publicly called for responsible journalism, stating, “Media that deepen national divisions are detrimental to the future of a free Republic of Korea. I urge the media to fulfill their proper role.”
In October, the court suggested a settlement, which included conditions such as the removal of the controversial video, a ban on broadcasting content about Lee’s alleged ties to Kim, and the inclusion of Lee’s perspective. Both parties, however, rejected the proposal, leading to a formal trial.
Despite Lee filing an objection to the court’s initial recommendation, and Jeong doing the same, the trial concluded with the court ruling in favor of the defendant, dismissing Lee’s claims.
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Lee Young Ae, Courtesy of BAZAAR
South Korean actress Lee Young Ae has lost a defamation lawsuit against a YouTuber who alleged a long-standing friendship between her and First Lady Kim Keon Hee. On December 20, the Seoul Western District Court's Civil Agreement Division 12 (Presiding Judge Kim Jin Young) ruled against Lee in her claim for damages.
Lee Young Ae had filed a lawsuit against Jeong Cheon Soo, the former CEO of Open Sympathy TV, demanding 250 million KRW in compensation. She alleged that Jeong’s YouTube video about her alleged connection to Kim Keon Hee contained false information. The court, however, dismissed Lee’s claims.
The controversy began after Lee Young Ae donated 50 million KRW to the Syngman Rhee Memorial Foundation in September of last year. She stated that her intention was to acknowledge historical facts objectively, saying, “While acknowledging past mistakes, we should also recognize achievements and work towards unity.”
Shortly thereafter, Open Sympathy TV uploaded a video titled “[Monday Report] Kim Keon Hee, Lee Young Ae, and Kim Haeng,” claiming a long-standing friendship between Lee and the First Lady.
Lee Young Ae’s legal team quickly refuted the allegations. Attorney Lee Seok In of the law firm DaDam stated in an interview with Dispatch that a certified letter had been sent demanding an apology and the removal of the video. “We requested the cessation of the broadcast and a formal apology,” he said.
Lee also publicly called for responsible journalism, stating, “Media that deepen national divisions are detrimental to the future of a free Republic of Korea. I urge the media to fulfill their proper role.”
In October, the court suggested a settlement, which included conditions such as the removal of the controversial video, a ban on broadcasting content about Lee’s alleged ties to Kim, and the inclusion of Lee’s perspective. Both parties, however, rejected the proposal, leading to a formal trial.
Despite Lee filing an objection to the court’s initial recommendation, and Jeong doing the same, the trial concluded with the court ruling in favor of the defendant, dismissing Lee’s claims.
