Lee Ha-neul. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse)]
Lee Ha-neul. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse)]

Lee Ha-neul of hip-hop group DJ DOC is set to stand trial on charges of defaming singer Jubee Train and his agency by spreading drug-use rumors.

According to legal and entertainment industry sources Tuesday, the sixth criminal division of the Goyang Branch of Uijeongbu District Court will hold the first hearing in Lee's case Friday, on charges of violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.

Lee received a summary order imposing a 2 million won ($1,450) fine in January after being found guilty of insult charges. In February, prosecutors again sought a summary indictment against him on the same charges, also carrying a 2 million won fine.

Despite those penalties, Lee continued making defamatory remarks about Jubee Train through personal live broadcasts. Jubee Train's side pursued further legal action, resulting in the case being referred to a full trial.

The dispute began in November 2023, when Jubee Train — Lee's junior in the music industry — signed a producer contract with Lee's agency, Funkytown. In March 2024, Lee's side fired Jubee Train and filed a criminal complaint against him, citing poor work conduct and allegations of fraud and embezzlement. Jubee Train's side fired back, claiming Lee had tried to force him out by labeling him a drug user and sex offender. Jubee Train publicly released the results of a drug test showing a negative result and filed a counter-complaint against Lee for spreading false information and defamation.


jshan@heraldcorp.com