A contentious scene unfolded outside the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office on April 13th as YouTuber Jeon Han-gil, facing charges of defamation against President Lee Jae-myung and Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok, engaged in a heated exchange with a citizen. Jeon-gil, who is at the center of a potential legal battle, also claimed he had been invited to the White House.
Jeon-gil was at the prosecutor’s office for questioning related to a police request for a warrant for his arrest. Police filed the request on April 10th, alleging defamation based on information Jeon-gil disseminated online. Prosecutors may conduct their own questioning before deciding whether to seek an arrest warrant from a court.
Prior to entering the building, Jeon-gil addressed the media and onlookers, stating, “We must choose – either the Lee Jae-myung regime falls, or the Republic of Korea falls.” A citizen, identified as ‘G,’ responded by shouting, “I choose the death penalty for Yoon Suk-yeol.”
The exchange escalated when Jeon-gil demanded to realize if the citizen had proof of treason, shouting, “Yoon Suk-yeol treason? Show me the evidence!” When ‘G’ referenced Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment, Jeon-gil reportedly dismissed the decision as a “political trial” by the Constitutional Court justices.
Jeon-gil further claimed the President was preparing to flee to China and had allegedly transferred 160 trillion won and military secrets to the country. He also repeated claims about Lee Jun-seok’s academic record, alleging inaccuracies regarding his Harvard University education.
Jeon-gil has faced previous legal challenges, including accusations of falsely claiming President Lee Jae-myung had an extramarital affair with a presidential aide, and of spreading misinformation about Lee Jun-seok’s acceptance to Harvard University. He was also previously accused of making false claims regarding oil shipments to North Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Jeon Han-gil face?
Jeon Han-gil faces charges of defamation against President Lee Jae-myung and Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok, specifically for allegedly spreading false information online (information and communication network law).
What was the nature of the exchange between Jeon Han-gil and a citizen?
Jeon Han-gil became involved in a heated argument with a citizen who shouted support for the death penalty for Yoon Suk-yeol, leading to accusations of treason and a dispute over the legitimacy of a past impeachment.
What claims has Jeon Han-gil made regarding President Lee Jae-myung?
Jeon Han-gil has claimed that President Lee Jae-myung hid 1 trillion won from the Daegong business venture in Singapore and had a relationship with a presidential aide.
As the legal process unfolds, what role will online platforms play in regulating the spread of potentially damaging information?
