The ex-manager of actor Shin Hyun Joon, who was charged with defamation against the actor, claiming power abuse and propofol usage, was sentenced to a suspended prison term by the appeals court.
On the 5th of December, Seoul Western District Court Criminal Divison 1-2 sentenced Shin Hyeon Joon’s former manager, Kim to 8 months in prison and 2 years of probation for violating the act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (defamation). This is a slightly reduced sentence compared to 1 year in prison and 2 years of probation.
The court sentenced Mr. Kim to be guilty of defamation and the part of profit promise that Mr. Kim claimed was considered false statement and defamation.
However, Mr. Kim was found innocent of claiming Shin’s illegal use of Propofol. Regarding the acquittal part, “As the defendant did not know the drugs were designated, it seems he was nervous that the victim was being interviewed for usage.” It can be said that there is no proof that the defendant used drugs illegally.
The defendant is guilty of publishing malicious articles about the victim on the internet and the court pointed out that the defendant does not reflect on himself and pleaded for severe punishment.
The court explained the reason for the sentence, saying, “There is no fine or similar crime punishment, and writing and posting articles is done by media reporters, not the accused.”
In July 2020, Mr. Kim claimed power abuse by Shin by releasing text messages. Kim not only claimed that Shin used abusive language but also that he had to listen to his mother’s private demands like car washing and shopping. Later, he accused the actor of illegal propofol usage.
Source:(A)
