Ex-Officer Sentenced to Probation for Leaking Late Lee Sun-kyun Investigation Details

A former police officer has received a suspended prison sentence for leaking investigation details related to the late actor Lee Sun-kyun's drug case.

On the 17th, Judge Kim Saet-byul of the Incheon District Court's Criminal Division 11 sentenced A, a former officer in his 30s, to one year and two months in prison, suspended for two years, along with 80 hours of community service, on charges of leaking official secrets.

Additionally, journalist B, also in his 30s, who was indicted for receiving personal information, including the names of investigation subjects, from A and providing it to another reporter, was fined 5 million won.

Judge Kim stated that while A leaked investigation-related personal information twice and B further disseminated it, compromising public trust, the court considered their acknowledgment of guilt and the fact that the leaks did not significantly disrupt the investigation.

The ruling also took into account A's decade of diligent service before dismissal and B's disciplinary action at his workplace, as well as petitions for leniency from acquaintances.

A was accused of photographing and transmitting investigation progress reports concerning the late Lee Sun-kyun's alleged drug use in October 2023 to two reporters, including B. The prosecution had previously sought three years in prison for A and six months for B.

Netizens expressed disappointment, with comments like 'Leaking investigation details is a serious crime, so probation feels insufficient,' and 'I hope the truth that would clear the deceased's name comes to light.' Many also emphasized the need for stricter penalties to prevent such incidents from recurring.