Illegal Coin Allegations Raised… "Jang Ye-chan, Compensate Kim Nam-guk 30 Million Won"

Defamation… Partial Victory for Kim Nam-guk

Court: "Do Not Assume Guilt Before Final Judgment"

Kim Nam-guk, former member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is set to receive damages from Jang Ye-chan, former youth chief of the People Power Party, who raised allegations of his 'illegal coin trading.'

Han Woong-hee, a judge at the Seoul Southern District Court, ruled partially in favor of Kim in a damages lawsuit against Jang. The court ordered Jang to pay Kim 30 million won in damages. The original claim amount was 50 million won.

The court noted, "According to broadcasting review regulations, one should not express someone as a criminal until a final court judgment is made," adding, "Nevertheless, the defendant rejected the opportunity to correct his statements limited by the host and further specified false facts."

The court further stated, "Even if there are controversies regarding the plaintiff's virtual asset holdings, transaction timing, and volume, or if the plaintiff's explanations regarding the controversies are unclear, it is not permissible to defame the plaintiff by recklessly claiming he committed a crime without any basis."

In May 2023, Jang raised suspicions in social network service (SNS) posts and a radio interview that Kim had engaged in illegal coin trading by preemptively knowing listing information. In September of that year, Kim filed a damages lawsuit against Jang. He also filed defamation charges against Jang and fellow party member Kim Sung-won for false statements, but these were concluded with no charges.

The verdict on Kim's charge of obstruction of official duties by deceit is expected on the 10th of next month.

Kim is accused of concealing significant profits from coin investments during the 2021-2022 National Assembly property reports, thereby obstructing the National Assembly Public Official Ethics Committee's review of property change details.

Ahn Hye-won, Hankyung.com reporter anhw@hankyung.com