Alleged broker in drug-trial case files defamation complaint against Han Dong-hoon

Yang Su-jin (양수진), who has been named as the broker in the alleged request to Kim Seung-won (김승원) concerning approval of a COVID-19 drug clinical trial, has filed a criminal complaint against independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon. Her legal representatives said on October 8 that the complaint was filed that day with Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul. It alleges defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, violation of the Protection of Communications Secrets Act and instigating the leak of official secrets. Hankook Ilbo named the lawyer as Cha Jin-tae (차진태) of Yeol Law Office (법률사무소 열). Newsis and Hankook Ilbo describe Kim as a Democratic Party lawmaker, while Yonhap and Seoul Economic Daily refer to him as a former nominee for justice minister. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]

Yang's side says that Han repeatedly posted false and defamatory statements about her on social media between September 3 and 16. Newsis, Hankook Ilbo and Seoul Economic Daily put the number of posts at more than 45. According to Yang's side, the posts called her a 'room salon younger-sister broker', a 'former Gangnam entertainment bar madam' and 'broker Yang, a former bar madam'. Her side says the establishment, called 'Yagi' (야기), which she ran from December 2005 to March 2010, was registered as a general restaurant serving Western-style food. It also says she was its registered owner, not an employee or a madam. Hankook Ilbo reported that Yang's side released the business registration records on September 17 and asked Han for a correction, but that he kept using the same or similar expressions. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]

The complaint also covers material Han made public. Yang's side says he published private call recordings and text messages between Yang and Kim, which Yang had never released or agreed to release, according to Hankook Ilbo. Her side has asked investigators to establish how Han obtained them, including whether they leaked from inside investigative agencies. Han also posted a document that appeared to be a Seoul Western District prosecution plan to indict Kim. Newsis dates that post to September 4. The charge of instigating the leak of official secrets was added to examine whether public officials were involved in obtaining or leaking the document. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]

Yang's side said the repeated posts and their spread in the media had worsened her anxiety, insomnia and loss of appetite, and that she had received a hospital diagnosis. It said it hoped the facts of Han's posts and how the private material was obtained and leaked would be clearly established. According to Hankook Ilbo, the statement also said it could not avoid seeking legal responsibility because Han's one-sided claims had spread as if they were established fact. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]

Hankook Ilbo reported that Yang is alleged to have passed on a request from a pharmaceutical company to Kim, an acquaintance, to look into clinical trial approval at the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. It added that she appeared at a hearing at Seoul Western District Court on September 15. [ 3 ]