Prosecutors Seek Two-Year Sentences for Defendants in Kim Geon-hee Scandal

Prosecutors have requested two-year prison sentences for Jeong Cheon-soo, former head of Open Communication TV, and Ahn Hae-wook, former president of the Korea Taekwondo Association, for their roles in the so-called "Juli allegations" against Kim Geon-hee ahead of the 2022 presidential election.

During a sentencing hearing on September 28 at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Han Seong-jin, prosecutors argued that both defendants should receive two years of actual imprisonment for violating the Public Election Act and the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation).

The prosecution stated, "The reports in this case have caused the victims severe distress, and they have yet to recover from the harm inflicted upon them. The victims have also strongly requested severe punishment for the defendants."

Jeong and Ahn were indicted for alleging during interviews on the YouTube channel Open Communication TV in 2022 that Kim had worked at entertainment venues under the pseudonym "Juli." The prosecution determined that they disseminated false information with the intent to undermine the candidacy of Yoon Suk-yeol, who was the presidential candidate for the People Power Party at the time.

Earlier in May, Kim testified in court, vehemently denying the allegations and expressing her desire for the defendants to be punished. She stated, "I have never used the name 'Juli' in any context, and they have fabricated a false narrative about my life."

In contrast, Jeong's defense team argued that their reporting was a legitimate investigation into the qualifications of public candidates and claimed innocence. Jeong's lawyer contended, "We began our inquiries before Yoon was a presidential candidate, and this was a legitimate journalistic activity aimed at verifying the suitability of public officials, not driven by personal animosity."

Ahn also stated in his closing remarks, "I believe it has been proven during the trial that Kim, who was known as Kim Myung-shin at the time, used the nickname or pseudonym 'Juli' and that I met with her. Only a very small number of people knew that 'Juli' was Kim Geon-hee at that time."

The court concluded the hearing and set the sentencing date for October 29.