Gyeongbuk Andong Police Station announced on the 26th that they have sent former journalist A to the prosecution on charges of spreading false information related to the late Lee Kyung-hee, father of President Lee Jae-myung.

Gyeongbuk Andong Police Station announced on the 26th that they have sent former journalist A to the prosecution on charges of spreading false information related to the late Lee Kyung-hee, father of President Lee Jae-myung.

According to the police, A is accused of publishing a book in August 2024 containing the statement, "President Lee's father embezzled tobacco purchase funds during his lifetime and fled overnight."

It was also investigated that in October of the same year, he appeared on a YouTube current affairs program and stated, "Around 1972-1973, he disappeared with the entire village's tobacco purchase funds."

Book Content and YouTube Remarks Cited for Prosecution Referral

The investigation began in earnest in April of this year when President Lee's elder brother filed a complaint against A. During the investigation, the police determined that A could not provide objective evidence to support his claims.

Accordingly, the police forwarded A to the prosecution on charges of defamation of the deceased and violation of the Public Official Election Act.

A police official stated, "No evidence was found to prove the veracity of the claims," and added, "We have forwarded the case to the prosecution in accordance with relevant laws."

However, concerns are also being raised about this case, questioning whether freedom of expression and the scope of criticism against power are being excessively narrowed. In particular, the debate continues on whether a structure where raising issues about the family history or past records of a current president can lead to criminal punishment is truly desirable.

Some point out that "if criticism and verification of public figures and their families are fundamentally blocked, then surveillance of power becomes virtually impossible."

"Are All Mentions Related to Lee Jae-myung Subject to Punishment?"

The conservative camp raises a more fundamental issue with this action.

A conservative figure expressed concern, stating, "If suspicions or issues related to the administration are immediately linked to investigations and referrals, then critical questioning of power can ultimately be stifled." They added, "Beyond the legal framework of defamation of the deceased, this could set a dangerous precedent that chills critical media activities overall."

This case is expected to lead to legal and social debates in future court proceedings regarding the standards for determining false information and the extent to which remarks about public figures and their families are permissible.

Attention is focused on what criteria the judicial authorities will present in balancing the two values of criticism of power and protection of individual honor.

By Reporter Jeong Woo-seok