Is a Korean American Professor Facing Defamation Charges for Comments on President Lee?
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Synopsis
A Korean-American professor finds himself under investigation by South Korean police for allegedly making defamatory remarks about President Lee Jae Myung. As tensions rise, the implications of his statements and their impact on the political landscape are under scrutiny. What does this mean for free speech and political discourse in South Korea?
Key Takeaways
- Investigation initiated into defamation allegations against a professor.
- Conservative group accuses Tan of spreading falsehoods.
- Claims about President Lee's past are unverified.
- Tan's past role as ambassador raises questions about political motivations.
- Free speech and democracy in South Korea are under scrutiny.
Seoul, July 15 (NationPress) South Korean authorities have initiated an investigation into a Korean-American educator for potential defamation after he reportedly made derogatory statements regarding President Lee Jae Myung based on misleading information, officials announced on Tuesday. The inquiry into Morse Tan, the dean at Liberty University School of Law, was triggered by a complaint from a conservative civic organization, which accused Tan of damaging the president's reputation by disseminating falsehoods.
During a June event in Washington, Tan alleged that Lee had been implicated in the gang rape and murder of a girl during his adolescence and claimed that Lee was sent to a juvenile detention facility, preventing him from completing middle and high school, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
The civic group contended that these accusations lack any foundation.
Tan, who previously served as the U.S. ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice in the first Donald Trump administration, has gained notoriety for endorsing conspiracy theories related to election fraud in South Korea.
As per the civic group’s complaint, Tan also suggested that the June 3 snap election, which Lee won, was manipulated.
Additionally, Tan has expressed support for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's temporary martial law, which ultimately led to Yoon's removal from office in April.
Currently visiting Seoul, Tan was supposed to give a special lecture at Seoul National University (SNU) on Tuesday afternoon. However, the university decided to cancel his speech on campus. The student group organizing the event relocated the venue to the area in front of SNU's main gate, where Tan delivered another address defending Yoon's martial law.
In response, another group of students staged a protest against Tan, accusing him of undermining South Korea's democratic foundations and tarnishing the president's image. They alleged that Tan was leveraging the South Korea-U.S. alliance for far-right political agendas.
Point of View
It is essential to remain impartial while reporting on sensitive topics such as this. The investigation into Professor Tan raises critical questions about free speech and accountability in the digital age. It is vital to uphold the principles of democracy while addressing concerns about misinformation.
NationPress
24/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the allegations made against Professor Tan?
Professor Tan allegedly made defamatory comments about President Lee, claiming he was involved in serious crimes during his youth based on false information.
Why was Tan's speech canceled at Seoul National University?
Tan's speech was canceled due to concerns about the content and its potential to incite division among students, prompting the university's decision.
What is the civic group's stance on Tan's claims?
The civic group asserts that Tan's allegations are unfounded and detrimental to the president's reputation.
