Newspaper sues two lawmakers for libel over actress scandal

SEOUL, May 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's leading newspaper on Monday filed a one
billion won (US$805,000) civil lawsuits against two opposition lawmakers for
libel, claiming they falsely alleged executives of the daily were implicated in a
sex scandal involving an actress who committed suicide.

The Seoul District Court said Chosun Ilbo, the largest-circulation daily, sued
Reps. Lee Jong-kul and Lee Jung-hee for naming the newspaper during a
parlimentary session and a television debate last month as the rumored media
company whose senior officials were linked to the scandal.
Actress Jang Ja-yeon, 30, hanged herself at her house in early March, leaving
behind a suicide note and self-penned letters claiming she was forced by her
former agent to provide sexual favors to influential figures.
The scandal became full blown with rumors and speculations that men from powerful
media and entertainment industries were involved, leading to a prosecution
investigation.
"Rep. Lee Jong-kul made the malicious comments knowing they will be made known to
the public through the National Assembly TV network. Rep. Lee Jung-hee mentioned
specific names a number of times during a television debate," The daily said.
Lee Jong-kul is a member of the main opposition Democratic Party, and Lee
Jung-hee from the minor opposition Democratic Labor Party.
Chosun Ilbo had filed separate complaints with the prosecution last month against
the two legislators for defamation.
Both lawmakers defended their remarks and indicated they will also take legal
action.
brk@yna.co.kr
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