Lee Dong-kwan, former Chairperson of the Broadcasting and Communications Commission, lost a civil lawsuit in the second trial against YTN, which reported allegations of favoritism involving his spouse. Lee lost in the first trial in June of last year as well.
On the 30th, the 13th Civil Division of the Seoul High Court ruled, "The plaintiff's appeals against the defendants are all dismissed," in the damages claim lawsuit filed by Lee. It did not disclose the detailed reasons for its judgment.
YTN reported in August 2023 that during the hearing for Lee's appointment, his wife was accused of receiving money for favoritism in 2010 and returning it two months later.
In response, Lee filed a damages lawsuit against YTN for 500 million won. The first trial in June last year ruled against Lee. At that time, the court stated, "Considering that the report was made for public interest, and the defendants conducted considerable reporting by confirming the plaintiff's position regarding the allegations, there is no illegality."
Meanwhile, following the report, Lee filed a complaint against YTN with the police, asserting that "YTN maliciously reported only one side's claims." However, the case was closed as not guilty by the Mapo Police Station in February of this year.