Reporters Who Covered Cho Jin-woong Assigned to Anti-Corruption Investigation Division

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will directly investigate a case in which two reporters from an entertainment media outlet were reported to authorities for covering actor Cho Jin-woong's alleged juvenile criminal record.

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According to police on the 16th, the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has recently been assigned the case, in which two Dispatch reporters were reported on charges including violation of Article 70 of the Juvenile Act, and is currently reviewing the details.

On the 7th, attorney Kim Kyung-ho of Law Firm Hoin filed a complaint against the two Dispatch reporters through the National Petition System. The complaint cites alleged violations of Article 70 of the Juvenile Act and defamation by spreading false information under the Information and Communications Network Act.

Attorney Kim described the reporting as 'tearing open a verdict that had been sealed for 30 years and displaying it to the world', calling it 'a clear act of violence disguised as journalism'. He further pointed out that 'despite Cho Jin-woong having received juvenile protective measures rather than a criminal trial, the reporters stated as fact that he had undergone a criminal trial, thereby publishing false information'.

Article 70 of the Juvenile Act stipulates that institutions related to juvenile protection cases must not respond to any inquiries except when necessary for trials, investigations, or military purposes. A violation is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Police plan to question the complainant and other relevant parties in the near future before deciding whether to formally open an investigation.