Lee Ha Neul, a member of veteran hip-hop group DJ DOC, has received a summary indictment resulting in a fine of 2 million KRW (approx. 1500 USD) for charges of insult under South Korean law.
According to reporting by The Fact on February 4, the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors’ Office issued the summary indictment on January 22. The ruling stems from Lee’s alleged insults directed at Lee, CEO of Basecamp Studio, and singer Juvie Train from group Buga Kingz (real name Joo Hyun Woo).
Separately, a former CEO of Lee Ha Neul’s agency Funky Town, its managing director, and a former singer-turned-employee have also been referred to prosecutors on charges related to violations of the Personal Information Protection Act and false accusation.
The dispute traces back to April last year, when Lee Ha Neul was sent to prosecutors on charges of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, following allegations made by the Basecamp Studio CEO. The CEO claimed that Lee had spread false statements accusing him of drug-related crimes, embezzlement, breach of trust, and sexual assault involving a minor.
Lee Ha Neul later filed counterclaims against the CEO and Juvie Train for defamation and spreading false information. However, prosecutors ruled all related accusations as not guilty in November.
Speaking to The Fact, the Basecamp Studio CEO stated that Lee Ha Neul is currently involved in three separate cases that have been referred to prosecutors at multiple district offices, with additional investigations still underway by police.
He further claimed that Lee continues to spread false allegations via social media livestreams, prompting two additional complaints for defamation and insult filed earlier this month, which have also been forwarded to prosecutors.
Under South Korean law, a summary indictment becomes final without a trial unless the defendant formally requests one. Attempts to confirm whether Lee Ha Neul intends to seek a formal trial were unsuccessful, as representatives from his agency’s public relations firm stated they were unable to reach the artist for comment.
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