Former Prosecutor General Kim Soo-nam has reportedly lost his damages lawsuit against People Power Party lawmaker Park Soo-young, who disclosed the 'Daejang-dong lobbying suspect list,' on the 22nd.
The Supreme Court's 1st Division (Chief Justice Ma Yong-joo) dismissed Kim's appeal during the ruling date of the damages lawsuit against Park, which was filed on the 3rd, and maintained the 2nd trial ruling.
Earlier, on Oct. 6, 2021, Park raised allegations of preferential treatment in the Daejang-dong development project during a National Assembly audit and disclosed a list of six people, including former Prosecutor General Kim, whom Hwacheon Daeyu allegedly promised to pay 5 billion won. Park also mentioned the list during the launch ceremony of the 'Civil Society Investigation Team for the Daejang-dong Development Project Preference Allegation Case' held at the Korea Press Center on Oct. 8 of the same year.
In response, Kim filed a damages lawsuit seeking 500 million won, claiming that Park had published a false list that harmed his reputation.
The first trial ruled against Kim last February. The court stated regarding Park's remarks during the National Assembly audit, 'This falls under parliamentary immunity,' adding that 'Park has a duty to clarify the truth behind the allegations and to urge relevant agencies to take appropriate measures.' Regarding the comments made at the press center launch ceremony, it noted, 'Given the allegations of illegal money transfers surrounding the Daejang-dong development project, it is reasonable to see that the remarks were made in the public interest.'
Kim contested the first trial's decision and filed an appeal. However, he lowered the claimed amount to 100 million won during the appeals process. The second trial dismissed Kim's appeal last January, ruling the same as the first trial. The second trial court noted, 'Since lawmakers like Park have confirmed transcripts related to allegations of bribery involving former senior prosecutors and justices, it seems necessary for the public and media to take interest and thereby urge investigative agencies to conduct fair and swift investigations.'
Kim also appealed the second trial's ruling. However, the Supreme Court found no issues with the second trial judgment and upheld the ruling against Kim.