"'Real-name exposure' MC Mong, defamation charge established → Police investigation possible": Current lawyer's view on the situation [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer MC Mong continued to expose real names through a live broadcast, prompting legal experts to analyze that such remarks could lead to criminal penalties.

On the 26th, Lee Seong-ho, a lawyer at Roel Law Firm, discussed the recent MC Mong exposure campaign on YTN Radio's "Case X-File."

Regarding MC Mong's mention of celebrities' real names, the lawyer stated, "The most immediate issue could be a charge of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act." He explained, "Whether through internet live broadcasts or other SNS platforms, making remarks that damage another person's reputation can fall under Article 70 of the Information and Communications Network Act, meaning the remarks could constitute defamation regardless of whether they are true or false." He added, "Furthermore, if the broadcast included profanity, derogatory remarks, or contemptuous expressions that could undermine the other party's social evaluation during the real-name targeting process, a charge of insult under Article 311 of the Criminal Act could also be established."

The lawyer also noted, "Article 310 of the Criminal Act stipulates that such acts shall not be punished if they involve true facts solely concerning the public interest, and judicial precedents apply this by analogy to defamation charges under the Information and Communications Network Act." However, he clarified, "If MC Mong's exposure of Kim Min-jong's alleged illegal gambling is revealed to be false, the level of punishment is expected to increase."

He further explained, "While defamation based on factual statements carries a penalty of up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won, defamation based on false statements carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison, or up to 10 years of disqualification, or a fine of up to 70 million won."

Regarding MC Mong's claim that "there is evidence," the lawyer pointed out, "Even if the facts are true, since defamation can still be established, claiming 'there is evidence' amounts to confessing to the charge of defamation based on factual statements." He added, "Even under the charge of defamation based on false statements, if proper evidence does not emerge in the future, the intent or purpose of slander could be considered more serious."

On the possibility of a police investigation, he predicted, "Police investigation initiation requirements allow for investigative inquiries even without a formal complaint, so a police investigation is possible."

Previously, during a live broadcast that began on the 18th, MC Mong addressed past controversies over draft evasion, stating, "I did not have my wisdom teeth extracted," and expressed his sense of injustice. He also denied allegations regarding the embezzlement of company funds for gambling, saying, "I have never been involved in accounting."

Subsequently, MC Mong mentioned Cha Jun-young, the uncle of Cha Ga-won, chairman of One Hundred Label, raising suspicions of an illegal gambling circle. During this process, he named actors such as Kim Min-jong. He also claimed that Cha Jun-young told Baekhyun, "Men should know how to gamble."

Claims regarding contract and settlement issues with fellow artists continued. MC Mong revealed that large signing bonuses were paid during the recruitment of The Boyz and also mentioned the scale of production costs for Baekhyun's solo albums. In subsequent broadcasts, he also shared his stance on controversies involving some members of The Boyz and Joo Hak-nyeon.

On the third day of the broadcast, MC Mong continued to expose specific broadcasting station PDs and media personnel. He claimed that various suspicions surrounding him were fabricated and even raised the possibility of violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes. Regarding the allegations of gambling with company funds, he reiterated, "I even sold copyrights to save the company."

Meanwhile, Kim Min-jong's legal representative announced legal action in response to MC Mong's exposure, stating, "Baseless personal rumors and malicious suspicions are spreading indiscriminately."

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*This content was translated by AI.