Ex-U.S. Ambassador Tried In Seoul Over Defamation For D.C. Speech
Former U.S. ambassador Morse Tan appeared in Seoul Central District Court Friday to face criminal defamation charges over a 2025 speech in Washington, D.C., and is barred from leaving South Korea.[1]
Prosecutors charged Tan under South Korea's Communications Network Act and the Criminal Act.[1] The charges stem from Tan's comments at a National Press Club event accusing President Lee Jae Myung of participating in a gang rape and murder as a teenager and of being sent to juvenile detention.[1] South Korean prosecutors say records show no evidence Lee was incarcerated in juvenile detention or was blocked from attending middle or high school.[1] Tan pleaded not guilty in court, told Fox News Digital he believes Lee is guilty and that his speech was protected, and has been barred from leaving South Korea since May 2026.[1]
At a June 2025 National Press Club event in Washington, D.C., Tan publicly made the allegations that prompted the indictment.[1] A South Korean Embassy spokesperson said the case and the exit restrictions follow Korean law and due process.[1] A U.S. State Department spokesperson declined to comment on details, saying the safety and security of Americans is a priority.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, October 16, 2026, Morse Tan appeared in Seoul Central District Court to face criminal defamation charges
- Tan is charged under South Korea's communications network act and Criminal Act for comments made at a June 2025 National Press Club event in Washington, D.C.
- South Korean authorities have barred Tan from leaving the country since a visit in May 2026 because of the case
- The charges stem from Tan's public allegation that President Lee Jae Myung participated in a gang rape and murder as a teenager and was sent to juvenile detention
- South Korean prosecutors say records show no evidence Lee was incarcerated in juvenile detention or blocked from attending middle or high school
- Tan pleaded not guilty and told Fox News Digital he believes Lee is guilty and that his speech was protected
- A South Korean Embassy spokesperson said the case and exit restrictions follow Korean law and due process
- A U.S. State Department spokesperson declined comment on details, citing safety and security of Americans as a priority
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