Former KTV Chief Lee Eun-woo [Photo=Yonhap News]
Lee Eun-woo, the former chief of the Korea Policy Broadcasting (KTV), has been sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly ordering the removal of broadcast subtitles that criticized the constitutionality and legality of the martial law declared on December 3.
According to Yonhap News on May 15, the special prosecutor's team, led by Cho Eun-seok, requested this sentence during the final hearing of Lee's case at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Oh Se-yong.
The prosecution stated, "As the head of programming and a public servant, the defendant had a duty to provide fair and balanced information regarding the martial law declaration, which threatens the existence of the state and the basic rights of citizens, yet he failed to do so. The defendant's actions not only increased public confusion but also amounted to promoting and endorsing unconstitutional and illegal martial law."
In his closing argument, Lee's attorney contended, "Considering the nature of KTV, the application of fairness under broadcasting law should be relaxed. Even if deemed illegal, it is questionable whether actions contrary to broadcasting fairness warrant criminal punishment."
Lee also stated in his final remarks, "KTV is not a typical media outlet that checks and criticizes power; it exists solely as a government agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote government policies. Broadcasting political disputes without editing violates the political neutrality expected of public servants."
The court has set June 26 as the date for its ruling.
Lee was indicted for abuse of authority for allegedly instructing news department staff to delete reports criticizing the martial law while serving as KTV chief on December 3, 2024.
He was accused of directing the broadcast editing team leader, Choo Mo, to remove news related to politicians' statements, political parties, the National Assembly, and the judiciary, stating, "These do not align with KTV's broadcasting principles; only include factual information about the president and proclamations."
When freelance subtitle specialist Ji Mo refused to comply, Lee contacted the head of the broadcasting department, Park Mo, to ensure the subtitles were deleted. As a result, some subtitles were removed.
According to Yonhap News on May 15, the special prosecutor's team, led by Cho Eun-seok, requested this sentence during the final hearing of Lee's case at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Oh Se-yong.
The prosecution stated, "As the head of programming and a public servant, the defendant had a duty to provide fair and balanced information regarding the martial law declaration, which threatens the existence of the state and the basic rights of citizens, yet he failed to do so. The defendant's actions not only increased public confusion but also amounted to promoting and endorsing unconstitutional and illegal martial law."
In his closing argument, Lee's attorney contended, "Considering the nature of KTV, the application of fairness under broadcasting law should be relaxed. Even if deemed illegal, it is questionable whether actions contrary to broadcasting fairness warrant criminal punishment."
Lee also stated in his final remarks, "KTV is not a typical media outlet that checks and criticizes power; it exists solely as a government agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote government policies. Broadcasting political disputes without editing violates the political neutrality expected of public servants."
The court has set June 26 as the date for its ruling.
Lee was indicted for abuse of authority for allegedly instructing news department staff to delete reports criticizing the martial law while serving as KTV chief on December 3, 2024.
He was accused of directing the broadcast editing team leader, Choo Mo, to remove news related to politicians' statements, political parties, the National Assembly, and the judiciary, stating, "These do not align with KTV's broadcasting principles; only include factual information about the president and proclamations."
When freelance subtitle specialist Ji Mo refused to comply, Lee contacted the head of the broadcasting department, Park Mo, to ensure the subtitles were deleted. As a result, some subtitles were removed.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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