According to the charge, Mr. A defamed the reputation of Hyundai cars by making false claims about its cars including defects in the Avante MD’s airbags and water leakage, as well as the sudden unintended acceleration problem. (image: Kobizmedia/Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Dec. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — It was reported belatedly that an automobile expert who raised safety problems with Hyundai cars on TV interviews was accused by the auto maker for libel.
According to the Namdong District Police Agency in Incheon on December 10, Hyundai Motor raised a charge against an automotive expert and owner of a car repair shop whose last name was known as “A” for defamation and obstruction of business.
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Hyundai Motor had filed for the accusation on November 19 with Seoul’s Seocho District Police Agency in which its headquarters office is located but the case was transferred to Incheon’s Namdong District as it is responsible for the jurisdiction in which the accused resides.
According to the charge, Mr. A defamed the reputation of Hyundai cars by making false claims about its cars including defects in the Avante MD’s airbags and water leakage, as well as the sudden unintended acceleration problem. The charge sheet also mentioned his remarks on defects of the Hyundai Starex van while talking about the deaths of EunB and RiSe, the two members of girl group Ladies’ Code in September this year.
This is unusual in that a large corporation accuses an individual in a libel suit. The accused was given an auto repair masters award in 2002 and a 2006 master craftsmen award.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
