Broadcaster Park Soo-hong Acquitted of All Charges in Blackmail Case

Broadcaster Park Soo-hong, who was facing legal disputes with a food company CEO over model fees, has been cleared of blackmail charges. His legal representatives announced on the 7th that Park received an acquittal, stating he was found 'not guilty.'

The company CEO had filed a lawsuit against Park in July, accusing him of blackmail. At the time, Park's team had expressed suspicion of media manipulation to damage his reputation, as he had not even received the official complaint and learned about the accusation through the media.

Park diligently cooperated with the police investigation. The Seoul Gangnam Police Station concluded on October 20th that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute, notifying Park of their decision, thus clearly demonstrating that the blackmail allegations were baseless.

Park's legal team emphasized that the CEO's claims were unfounded from the beginning. The complaint was based on allegations that Park's former legal representative made threatening remarks to the CEO, not that Park himself directly threatened the individual or instructed his representative to do so. They argued that filing a complaint against Park, the non-perpetrator, was an act intended to tarnish his image and pressure him, constituting clear malicious prosecution.

Furthermore, Park's side revealed they are currently engaged in legal proceedings with the CEO's company regarding unpaid model fees. They pointed out that the CEO rejected a court-mediated settlement order for partial payment and abruptly raised this unfounded issue after two years.

Concluding, Park's legal representatives stated that given the police investigation has clearly established the baseless and false nature of the CEO's claims, they are preparing to take decisive legal action against further defamatory acts.

Korean netizens expressed relief and support for Park Soo-hong. Comments included sentiments like, "Finally, Park Soo-hong's innocence has been proven. He must have suffered so much," and "It's a relief that the truth has come out with a clear acquittal from the police investigation." Many urged for strong legal action against those who spread false information.