Law enforcement authorities scrutinize a Korean American academic based on accusations of insulting President Lee
In a recent development, South Korean police have launched an investigation into Korean American Professor Morse Tan over allegations of defamation. Tan, a former US ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice under the first Donald Trump administration, is suspected of making false claims against President Lee Jae Myung.
The investigation began after a complaint from the civic group, Freedom Korea National Defence Corps, and includes Tan's remarks made at events in Washington and South Korea. Tan is alleged to have accused President Lee of involvement in election fraud and gang rape, as well as the murder of a girl during his youth.
Tan, who is currently the dean of Liberty University's School of Law, is also accused of promoting conspiracy theories about the June 3 election in Korea. The South Korean law allows for the domestic prosecution of crimes committed abroad against Korean nationals, but the practicality of this requires the suspect to be in Korea.
Although Tan was reportedly booked on defamation charges in late July, South Korean prosecution requires the suspect to be in the country. Authorities have requested the Justice Ministry to monitor Tan's entry into Korea to facilitate legal action if he returns.
The current status of the investigation against Tan is that South Korean police have formally opened an inquiry, and preliminary enforcement actions have been taken related to Tan's activities in Korea. However, no final legal resolution has yet been publicly reported.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has asked the Justice Ministry to issue an entry notification order for Tan. Tensions surrounding Tan's controversial statements are evident, with reports of disruptions linked to rallies for and against Tan at Incheon International Airport. Some participants were charged with refusing to leave and obstructing business during Tan's arrival.
There are also reports that the Lee administration is taking measures perceived as suppressing criticism from figures like Tan. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how this will impact Tan's position as dean of Liberty University's School of Law or his former role as US ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice.
References: 1. Yonhap News Agency 2. Korea JoongAng Daily 3. The Korea Herald
- The ongoing investigation by South Korean police into Korean American Professor Morse Tan, sparked by allegations of defamation, has expanded to include his comments about President Lee Jae Myung in both Washington and South Korea, touching on both the realms of general-news and politics.
- In the same vein, Tan's controversial accusations against President Lee, including election fraud, gang rape, and murder, have not only generated headlines in crime-and-justice sections but have also incited tensions resembling a political drama, as evidenced by the disruptions at rallies for and against him.
