[On-site Video] "Kim Gyeong-su Is Innocent" Ruling Party Supporters Fiercely Criticize Judiciary

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Lee Kyung-do] "We don't trust the special prosecutor!", "Kim Kyung-soo is innocent!"

On the 21st, Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, who was indicted on charges related to the 'Druking comment manipulation' case, was sentenced to 2 years in prison. With the prison sentence confirmed, Governor Kim can no longer perform his duties as the Governor of Gyeongnam. Including the execution period of the sentence, he will be barred from running in elections for about 7 years.

The Supreme Court's 2nd Division (Presiding Justice Lee Dong-won) upheld the lower court's ruling sentencing Governor Kim to 2 years in prison in the final appeal trial on the comment manipulation charges. He was acquitted of charges related to violations of the Public Official Election Act.

Supporters of the Democratic Party of Korea gathered in front of the Supreme Court on the day of the ruling, vehemently criticizing the judiciary, saying they could not accept the court's decision. Some raised their voices claiming that Governor Kim is innocent and that there were fundamental problems with the special prosecutor's investigation itself.

One supporter angrily shouted at the special prosecutor's staff, "We will be watching from now on!" Another supporter denied the election violation charges, saying, "What election violation charges?" Due to these supporters, a brief commotion occurred in front of the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, immediately after the verdict, Governor Kim stated, "I will never give up the belief that the truth returns to its place no matter how far it is thrown," maintaining his innocence. He added, "Regrettably, there is no longer a way to seek the truth through the court," and "I will fully bear the consequences according to the Supreme Court's ruling."

On the other hand, Special Prosecutor Heo Ik-beom evaluated, "This ruling is a punishment for a politician who used a private organization to manipulate internet public opinion as a method of election campaigning," and said, "It serves as a warning to those running in future elections to conduct fair elections."