Police Take Action Against Reporters Revealing Celebrity’s Private Life
Jo Jin Woong is facing controversy after a report revealed his dark past involving juvenile crimes.
The controversy began last December when Dispatch exposed Jo Jin Woong’s record showing juvenile protection measures for crimes he committed as a teenager. The report included serious allegations of robbery and rape.
Soon after, a complaint was filed claiming Dispatch violated Article 70 of the Juvenile Act. This law bans disclosure of details in juvenile protection cases unless connected to trials, investigations, or military needs. Breaking it can lead to up to one year in prison or fines of ₩10 million KRW (around $6,720 USD).
As the situation developed, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit reviewed the case.
On May 11, they decided not to indict the Dispatch reporters. The reporters were accused of breaching the Juvenile Act and defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act.
“The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit has decided not to indict the Dispatch reporters.” – Yonhap News, May 18
The decision ends the legal threat to Dispatch for this report. The case drew heavy attention to how juvenile crime information is handled in media.
Authorities are now treating the incident as resolved for the reporting side. No further prosecution is expected for Dispatch journalists involved.