Suhong Park's Sister-in-Law Faces Appeal Trial for Defamation... Prosecution Seeks 10-Month Prison Sentence

Charged with Spreading False Information
First Trial Resulted in a Fine

The prosecution has requested the same 10-month prison sentence in the appeal trial for Ms. Lee, the sister-in-law of broadcaster Park Suhong, who was convicted in the first trial and fined for spreading false information about Park.

At the sentencing hearing held on June 25 at the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Appellate Division 1 (Presiding Judge Ban Jeongwoo), the prosecution asked the court to dismiss the defendant's appeal and impose a 10-month prison sentence, the same as in the original trial. Ms. Lee has been charged with defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act.

Broadcaster Park Suhong. Photo by Yonhap News

Ms. Lee was indicted on charges of spreading false claims, including allegations that Park lived with a woman during his broadcasting career.

Ms. Lee’s attorney argued for her acquittal, stating, “There was sufficient reason to believe that the victim was living with a woman.” The attorney further asserted, “Ms. Lee’s actions were defensive rather than defamatory,” and requested a not guilty verdict. In her final statement, Ms. Lee appealed for leniency, saying, “I was not wise, and I am ashamed of my careless words and actions.”

In the previous trial, the court sentenced Ms. Lee to a fine of 12 million won. The court found her conduct to be of poor character, considering that she spread false information to create public opinion favorable to her and her husband’s legal dispute and to defame the victim.

The verdict for Ms. Lee’s appeal is scheduled to be delivered at 2:30 p.m. on July 23.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.