'Sewol Ferry Derogatory Controversy' Kim Ki-su Referred to Prosecutors with Non-Indictment Opinion

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The police have forwarded former non-standing member Kim Ki-soo of the 'Special Investigation Committee on the Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster and the 4·16 Sewol Ferry Disaster' to the prosecution with a recommendation for non-prosecution, after he was accused of disparaging the Sewol Ferry disaster and the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

On the 18th, the Seoul Suseo Police Station announced that after investigating former Special Committee member Kim, who was accused of defamation and insult by the 4·16 Sewol Ferry Disaster Families Association and others, they sent the case to the prosecution last month on the 17th with a non-prosecution opinion (no charges).

Previously, the conservative YouTube channel Freedom News, operated by former Special Committee member Kim, posted videos disparaging the Sewol Ferry disaster, causing controversy. In August last year, four civic groups including the 4·16 Sewol Ferry Disaster Families Association filed complaints with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, accusing Freedom News of spreading fake news. The prosecution transferred the case to the Suseo Police Station.

Lawyer Kim, who was appointed as a non-standing member of the Special Committee last month upon recommendation by the Liberty Korea Party, resigned on the 13th following opposition from the Sewol Ferry victims' families. It is reported that immediately after his resignation, Kim joined the Liberty Korea Party and registered as a preliminary candidate for Daegu Dong-gu Gap district.