Dispatch Reporters Accused of Violating Juvenile Law Over Jo Jin-woong Report

A legal complaint has been filed against the Dispatch reporters who first broke the story regarding actor Jo Jin-woong's past as a juvenile offender. The case has reportedly been assigned to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

According to police on the 16th, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency recently received and is investigating a case involving two Dispatch reporters accused of violating the Juvenile Act.

Lawyer Kim Kyung-ho of Law Firm Ho-in filed the complaint via the National Petition portal on the 7th, alleging that the Dispatch reporters violated Article 70 of the Juvenile Act.

This article stipulates that agencies related to juvenile protection cases cannot respond to any inquiries about the case contents, except when necessary for trials, investigations, or military purposes. Violations are punishable by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Dispatch had reported on the 5th that Jo Jin-woong committed crimes during his teenage years and received juvenile protection measures. Following the report, Jo Jin-woong acknowledged his past wrongdoings as a minor and announced his retirement from the entertainment industry.

The situation has sparked online discussion, with many netizens commenting, "While exposing past records is problematic, if there were legal violations in the process, they should be punished." Others stated, "If the accused have any grievances, they should present their side." The controversy surrounding the methods of reporting on celebrities' pasts is expected to continue.