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South Korean Actress Lee Young-aeLoses Defamation Suit Against YouTube Channel Over First Lady’s Friend Allegations
Seoul, South Korea – In a ruling thathas drawn significant attention in South Korea, the Seoul Western District Court has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by renowned actress Lee Young-ae against a former host of theYouTube channel Open Resonance TV. The case centered on allegations made by the channel regarding Lee’s purported ties to First Lady Kim Keon-hee and a donation to a controversial memorial foundation.
The court’s decision, announced onDecember 20th, marks a setback for Lee, who sought 250 million won (approximately $192,000 USD) in damages for what she claimed was the spread of false information. The controversy beganearlier this year when the YouTube channel, hosted by a man identified only as Mr. Jeong, alleged that Lee had donated 50 million won (approximately $38,000 USD) to the Lee Seung-man Memorial Foundation in September of last year. The foundation is dedicated to the memory of the lateformer President Lee Seung-man, a figure whose legacy remains deeply divisive in South Korea.
The Open Resonance TV broadcast further claimed that Lee’s donation was a result of her close relationship with First Lady Kim Keon-hee, implying that the donation was politically motivated and connected to the First Lady’s friend scandal that has plagued the current administration. This scandal, often referred to as the “First Lady’s Gate” by some media outlets, involves accusations of undue influence and favoritism involving the First Lady and her associates.
Lee Young-ae’s legal team vehemently denied the allegations, arguing that theYouTube channel had disseminated false information that damaged her reputation and caused her emotional distress. They initiated the lawsuit against Mr. Jeong, seeking compensation for the harm caused by the broadcast.
During the legal proceedings, the court had suggested a settlement in October, but both parties rejected the proposal, leading to the final ruling. Thecourt’s decision to rule against Lee suggests that they did not find sufficient evidence to support her claims of defamation.
This case highlights the growing influence of social media platforms like YouTube in shaping public opinion and the legal challenges that arise from the rapid spread of information, particularly in the politically charged environment of South Korea. Italso underscores the difficulties public figures face in protecting their reputations in the age of digital media.
The ruling is likely to fuel further debate about the responsibilities of online content creators and the boundaries of free speech versus the right to privacy and protection from defamation. While the court’s decision is a legal victory for Mr.Jeong, the case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of unsubstantiated claims and the importance of verifying information before dissemination.
Lee Young-ae’s agency has yet to issue a statement regarding the court’s decision. The case will undoubtedly continue to be discussed in the South Korean media and among the public, raising questions about the intersection of celebrity, politics, and the digital landscape.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, December 20). Lee Young-ae loses lawsuit against YouTube channel over ‘First Lady’s friend’ allegations. Retrieved from [Original SourceURL – if available]
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