Police Make Decision Against Dispatch Reporters Who Exposed A Celebrity’s Private Life

Dispatch reporters who exposed a Korean actor’s private life, which included his dark past as an alleged robber and rapist, learn of their fate for potentially breaking the law in making the report.

Dispatch Reveals Popular K-Drama Actor’s Dark Past As A “Robber And Rapist”

The case started when Dispatch reported in December last year that Jo Jin Woong received juvenile protection measures for crimes committed during his teenage years, leading to a complaint. The complainant argued that the report violated Article 70 of the Juvenile Act.

Article 70 of the Juvenile Act prohibits organizations involved in juvenile protection cases from disclosing case details except for trials, investigations, or military necessities. Violations carry penalties of up to one year in prison or fines up to ₩10.0 million KRW (about $6,720 USD).

According to a May 18 report by Yonhap News, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit decided on May 11 not to indict the reporters accused of violating the Juvenile Act and defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act.