Prosecution Seeks 2-Year Prison Sentence for Jeong Cheonsu, Former Open Sympathy TV CEO, Over "Gunhee Kim Julie Allegations"

Sentencing Scheduled for October 29

The prosecution has requested a two-year prison sentence for Jeong Cheonsu, former CEO of Open Sympathy TV, who was indicted for raising the so-called "Julie allegations" involving Mrs. Gunhee Kim.

Mrs. Kim Keon-hee. Photo by Yonhap News

On September 28, during the final hearing at the 34th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (presided over by Judge Han Sung-jin), the prosecution made this request for Jeong, who is on trial for violating the Public Official Election Act and defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. A two-year prison term was also sought for Ahn Haeouk, former president of the Korea Elementary School Taekwondo Association, who was indicted on the same charges.

The prosecution stated, "The victims have suffered significant distress from this case, and the damage has not yet been remedied," adding, "The victims are also petitioning for a severe punishment."

Jeong's legal team argued, "It cannot be definitively concluded that the reports were false, and there was also public interest value," asserting his innocence.

Jeong is accused of broadcasting an interview on a YouTube channel ahead of the 20th presidential election in 2022, featuring statements by former association president Ahn. Ahn is facing trial for allegedly saying on air at the time, "I saw Mrs. Kim working in an entertainment bar in the past."

Previously, in May of this year, Mrs. Kim appeared as a witness in court and expressed her intention to seek punishment against them. At that time, Mrs. Kim stated, "The term 'Jul' was never used as an appellation for Julie," and "They fabricated an entire person's life with lies."

The court has set the sentencing date for October 29.

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