Ex-Liberty University Professor Moss Tang Files Lawsuit Against Travel Ban

The ruling follows a legal challenge by Tan, also known by his Korean name Dan Hyeon-myeong, to overturn the restriction on his departure from the country.

According to reporting from the Dong-A Ilbo on July 31, 2026, the court rejected Tan’s request to lift the exit ban, ruling that the government’s measure to prevent his departure remains valid while the investigation into his alleged actions continues.

Legal Basis for the Travel Ban

The Ministry of Justice imposed the travel restriction after Tan was accused of spreading false information regarding President Lee Jae-myung. Specifically, the charges center on claims made by Tan suggesting that the president had a history as a juvenile offender, an allegation that the prosecution characterizes as defamatory.

Under South Korean law, the Ministry of Justice can restrict the departure of individuals suspected of crimes if there is a reasonable concern that they will flee the country to avoid prosecution. The court’s decision to maintain the ban indicates that the judiciary views the risk of flight as sufficient to justify the limitation on Tan’s movement.

Background on Moss Tan

His legal troubles in South Korea stem from public statements and claims regarding the personal and legal history of President Lee Jae-myung. The investigation seeks to determine if these statements were knowingly false and intended to damage the president's reputation.

Tan challenged the Ministry of Justice’s decision in court, arguing that the travel ban was an overreach or unjustified. However, the court found that the nature of the defamation charges and the potential for the suspect to leave the jurisdiction warranted the continuation of the ban.

Current Legal Status and Next Steps

With the court upholding the exit ban, Moss Tan remains prohibited from leaving South Korea. He must remain available for further questioning and legal proceedings as the prosecution builds its case regarding the defamation of the president.

The case is now proceeding toward a formal trial, where the evidence regarding the “juvenile offender” claims will be examined to determine if they meet the legal threshold for criminal defamation under South Korean law.