Novelist Gong may face defamation charges

By Chung Ah-young

Gong Ji-young

Celebrated novelist Gong Ji-young may face defamation charges for accusing a former priest of misusing charity funds.

The Seocho Police Station in southern Seoul said Monday that it sent the case to prosecutors, asking them to charge her with defamation after a four-month investigation.

Last July, Gong claimed on her Facebook page that Kim, a former Catholic priest of the Masan Diocese in South Gyeongsang Province, misused the funds raised to help residents in Miryang protesting a state-run power provider’s plans to build extra-high voltage transmission towers there.

She said Kim didn’t deliver the money to them at all, and also accused him of misappropriating other funds.

Kim immediately filed a complaint against Gong, claiming his reputation was severely damaged due to Gong’s groundless accusations.

Police confirmed that Kim sent part of the funds to Miryang residents. Police said that Gong’s claim lacks evidence to prove her suspicions.

Gong posted a message on Facebook Monday, saying: “I hope the court case reveals more truth.”