"Mocked Democracy," "Apologize to the Public," Opposition Candidates in Unison
Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam, Sentenced to 2 Years for 'Druking Comment Manipulation'
President Moon Colluded with Druking Group for Online Comment Manipulation Since Candidacy
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Governor Kim Kyung-soo of Gyeongnam Province was confirmed to have received a prison sentence for the so-called 'Druking comment manipulation' charge, which alleges that he manipulated online public opinion before and after the 19th presidential election. At the same time, opposition presidential candidates at the time demanded an official apology from President Moon Jae-in. Claims have emerged that the legitimacy of the last presidential election has been undermined.
Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party who ran as the Liberty Korea Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party) candidate in the 2017 presidential election, wrote on his Facebook on the 21st, "The legitimacy of the regime's inauguration has been lost. Since Governor Kim was President Moon's secretary during the last presidential election, the accomplices of Governor Kim must now be revealed," he criticized.
He continued, "Shouldn't President Moon at least apologize to me or candidate Ahn Cheol-soo, who were the biggest victims of the manipulated public opinion during the last presidential election?" and "If the president was elected through manipulated public opinion, shouldn't he at least apologize to the public?" he repeatedly demanded.
Ahn Cheol-soo, who ran as the candidate of the People's Party, also strongly criticized it as a "shameless crime that mocked democracy." In a statement released that day, Ahn said, "Justice has been served. The comment manipulation by Druking and Governor Kim was an election sabotage operation that distorted the will of the people," sharply criticizing.
He added, "Did President Moon receive reports on the comment manipulation process and give instructions or encouragement?" and "If he was unaware of the enormous election operation carried out by his closest aides, it is like covering the sky with the palm of his hand," he pointed out.
He also said, "I am a victim, but I will not ask for an apology to me," but added, "He should apologize to the people and sincerely reflect before democracy."
Yoo Seung-min, a former People Power Party member who ran as the Bareun Party (the predecessor of the Bareunmirae Party) candidate in the 19th presidential election, also said, "I seriously question the legitimacy of the Moon Jae-in regime, which was elected through comment manipulation," and urged, "President Moon should apologize to the people for the constitutional destruction acts by his closest aides."
Governor Kim Kyung-soo, who was sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in the 'Druking comment manipulation' case, is seen contemplating while making a statement at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office on the 21st. / Photo by Yonhap News
On this day, the Supreme Court's 2nd Division (Presiding Justice Lee Dong-won) upheld the original sentence of two years in prison in the appeal trial of Governor Kim, who was indicted on charges including manipulating online comments. It has been 1,062 days since Governor Kim was indicted without detention on August 24, 2018.
The court recognized only the charge of obstruction of business among the charges against Governor Kim, including obstruction of business and violation of the Public Official Election Act. With the prison sentence confirmed, Governor Kim will undergo re-incarceration procedures and will also lose his position as governor. Elected officials are disqualified from office if they are sentenced to a fine of 1 million won or more for violating the Public Official Election Act, or if they receive a prison sentence or higher in a general criminal case.
Previously, Governor Kim was prosecuted on charges of conspiring with Kim Dong-won, known as 'Druking,' and his associates to manipulate online comments using an automated program (macro) called 'King Crab' while President Moon was the Democratic Party's presidential candidate. He was also charged with offering the position of Consul General in Sendai, Japan, to Kim in exchange for helping with the comment manipulation (violation of the Public Official Election Act).
The first trial court found all charges against Governor Kim guilty, sentencing him to two years in prison for comment manipulation and ten months in prison with a two-year probation for violation of the Public Official Election Act. However, the second trial court found him guilty of comment manipulation but acquitted him of the Public Official Election Act violation charge.
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