Actress Jang Ja-yeon |
South Korea's leading newspaper Monday filed a 1 billion won ($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 parliamentary session and a television debate last month as the rumored media company whose senior officials were linked to the scandal, according to Yonhap News Agency.
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 sex 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," Chosun was quoted as saying.
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.
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yistory@koreatimes.co.kr
