Professional basketball player Heo Woong (31, Busan KCC) filed a lawsuit against his ex-girlfriend's legal representative for false accusation and defamation, but the police decided not to pursue the case.
Recently, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul made a decision not to pursue the case regarding the false accusation and defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act filed by Heo Woong against lawyer Noh Jong-eon, citing "insufficient evidence" and "not directly related to Mr. Heo's honor."
Heo Woong filed a lawsuit against his ex-girlfriend A in June last year for attempted extortion, threats, and violations of the Stalking Punishment Act. Subsequently, A counter-sued Heo Woong for quasi-rape injury, claiming that during a dispute with Heo Woong, her dental laminate was damaged and that she became pregnant due to unwanted sexual relations.
The Suwon Police Station decided not to pursue the quasi-rape injury charges against Heo Woong in September last year due to insufficient evidence. However, the Gangnam Police Station recognized A's extortion and attempted extortion charges and forwarded the case to the prosecution in August last year.
Afterward, Heo Woong's side claimed that lawyer Noh persuaded A to file a lawsuit against Heo Woong, knowing that Heo had not committed sexual violence against her, and submitted a complaint against Noh to the Gangnam Police Station for false accusation and defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act.
During the investigation, Heo Woong's side submitted recordings of calls and consultations between A and lawyer Noh. The recordings included A stating to Noh, "I feel wronged," "I have never lied," and "It was indeed forced sexual relations," which Heo Woong's side argued was circumstantial evidence that Noh induced the lawsuit.
In response, lawyer Noh rebutted, "Before meeting me, A revealed in a media interview that there was an unwanted sexual relationship, and a year ago, she stated on social media that she was assaulted by Heo Woong," adding, "She consistently stated that she was indeed sexually assaulted."
The police determined that it was difficult to conclude that Noh directed or induced a false accusation based solely on the recordings. Regarding the defamation charges, they decided not to pursue the case, stating that the articles mentioning the relationship between Heo Woong's legal representative, lawyer Bu Ji-seok, and YouTuber 'Caracula' could not be directly related to Heo Woong's defamation.
Lawyer Noh is reportedly considering a counter-sue against Heo Woong's side for false accusation and threats under the Special Act.
[Kim Mi-ji, Star Today Reporter]
