South Korea’s ‘trial by media’ in spotlight after politician’s death amid assault claims

Chang Je-won was found dead in his office on Monday. Hours before, footage said to support sexual assault allegations against him was aired

Reading Time:3 minutes

Chang Je-won, a member of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party, was found dead in his office on Monday. Photo: AP

Published: 8:00am, 2 Apr 2025Updated: 12:49pm, 2 Apr 2025

South Korea has been rattled by the death of a prominent conservative politician just hours after local media broadcast mobile footage allegedly supporting sexual assault claims against him, in another case experts say highlights the serious consequences of the country’s pervasive “trial by media” culture.

Former three-term lawmaker Chang Je-won, 57, was found dead in his office in eastern Seoul on Monday, according to police, who said there were no signs of foul play.

Chang was a close confidant of suspended president Yoon Suk-yeol and served as Yoon’s chief of staff while he was president-elect awaiting inauguration.

Reports indicated that Chang left a suicide note addressed to his family, saying: “I am sorry … I love you all.” He did not mention the allegations against him in the message.

Chang had been under investigation since January after his former secretary accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2015. At the time, he was serving as a vice-president at a university in Busan, his political stronghold.

According to the woman’s lawyers, Chang assaulted her after she fell unconscious following a night of drinking.