"Pay 30 Million Won If You Want the Article Stopped"... Online Reporter Convicted of Blackmailing Construction Firm

[The Financial News] An online newspaper reporter who demanded money from a construction company CEO in exchange for withholding an article has been fined.
On the 21st, the legal community reported that the Seoul Western District Court’s 8th Criminal Division, presided over by Judge Lee Se-chang, imposed a fine of 5 million won on Mr. A (56), the publisher of an online newspaper, for attempted blackmail.
Mr. A, who operates as a publisher of an online newspaper in Gangnam, Seoul, was brought to trial for demanding money from Mr. B, the CEO of a construction company in Seogwipo, Jeju, in July 2023, while hinting at the publication of an article.
At the time, Mr. B was embroiled in a dispute and complaints regarding the settlement of sales agency fees, and related information had already been reported to some media outlets and online communities.
Mr. A sent a message to Mr. B stating, "While investigating your company’s unfair practices and tricks, I have uncovered something even more significant," and said he wanted to hear the company’s position. He then threatened, "Before the article is published, I’d like to make a small proposal. The one who will be hurt is you, CEO," and directly demanded money, saying, "It’s just over 30 million won—think of it as tuition and settle it."
Prosecutors indicted Mr. A on charges of attempted blackmail, judging that he pressured the victim under the pretext of news coverage to gain financial benefit. Mr. A argued that his reporting was legitimate and in the public interest, and that he had no intention of demanding money.
However, the court rejected this defense, stating, "The defendant used his status as a journalist to threaten to publish unfavorable articles and pressured the victim to accept financial loss."
The verdict stated, "The defendant demanded the transfer of property for the benefit of a third party without any legitimate right, and this cannot be considered reporting in the public interest. It is recognized that the defendant abused the authority of the press for personal gain." The court further pointed out, "Demanding money from the victim as a condition for withholding an article goes beyond the scope of legitimate acts protected by freedom of the press."
Regarding the sentencing, the court explained, "The seriousness of the crime is not minor, as the defendant used his status as a journalist to threaten harm. However, the crime was only attempted, and the defendant is a first-time offender." The court added, "The victim has not forgiven the defendant, and the intent to demand money is clear, making the case subject to significant social criticism."

425_sama@fnnews.com Choi Seung-han Reporter