Celebrity dog trainer Lee Chan-jong was also found not guilty on appeal of sexual harassment charges.
On the 19th, Director Lee Chan-jong shared the stress he felt leading up to the appellate verdict and the final outcome of the trial through the YouTube channel "Animal Farm Uncle Lee Chan-jong X Han Jae-ung's Jaekkichan."
On the way to court, Lee said the most unbearable part was the tremendous harm and emotional wounds his family had to endure, and he confided that, as the day finally arrived to end the legal battle that had dragged on for more than four years, he felt tense but also relieved.
After the hearing, Lee said, "The appellate court also dismissed the prosecutor's appeal. I was found not guilty on all counts," and added, "The moment I heard the verdict, I felt so light that my legs almost gave out."
Outside the courthouse, his wife and daughter greeted him. His wife showed firm trust, saying she had never doubted her husband for even a moment, and the whole family hugged one another and wept.
Lee said, "If I hadn't been able to prove the truth, it would have been hard to go on living," and added, "At the time of the incident, my family was the first thing that came to mind, and I was able to endure thanks to the family that believed in me and supported me to the end," expressing his gratitude.
Lee, who built public recognition by appearing on multiple broadcasts including the popular SBS program "TV Animal Farm," was accused in 2022 by a female employee, who alleged he engaged in conduct that caused sexual humiliation and physical contact. As a result, he stepped down from all programs he was appearing on.
At the time, Lee's side countered that the accuser's claims were entirely untrue and that there had been no physical contact, while filing a countersuit for false accusation based on the alleged dissemination of false facts, pursuing legal action. With the appellate panel reaching the same not-guilty conclusion as the first-instance court and dismissing the prosecution's appeal, the criminal case concluded with an acquittal.