South Korean Supreme Court Reverses Ruling In TV Broadcaster "Mad Cow" Case

The South Korean Supreme Court has ruled that a television broadcaster was "not guilty" of defaming the South Korean Minister of Agriculture when it suggested that eating imported U.S. beef might expose the consumer to "mad cow" disease. The South Korean government decided to resume importing U.S. beef in 2008. The Court also set aside the order to the network to publish an apology and correct the information in the program. It is unclear from the news reports whether the tv network had originally been charged under the criminal or civil code. Here is a link to a discussion of defamation law in South Korea.

 

Hat tip to Bill Kovarik.