Chaos in front of the prison where Kim Kyung-soo is re-incarcerated... Supporters and Opponents Exchange Insults

Kim Kyung-soo "I will endure silently for 2 years and come out"

Support and opposition groups shout slogans through loudspeakers, engaging in a war of nerves

On the 26th, supporters and opposing citizens confronted each other in front of Changwon Prison, where former Governor Kim Kyung-soo is incarcerated. Photo by Saeyan Park sy77@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Former Governor Kim Kyung-soo, who was involved in the 'Druking comment manipulation' case and received a confirmed 2-year prison sentence by the Supreme Court, was re-incarcerated at Changwon Prison at 1 p.m. on the 26th.

It has been five days since the Supreme Court finalized the 2-year prison sentence on the 21st.

Before re-incarceration, former Governor Kim stayed at the official residence in Changwon.

On that day, there were no signs of conservative groups or civilian supporters around the residence, and only a few reporters were present, creating a relatively quiet atmosphere.

At around 11:55 a.m., Mayor Heo Seong-moo of Changwon visited former Governor Kim’s residence.

At around 12:20 p.m., former Governor Kim came out of the residence with his wife and spokesperson to head to the prison.

Before departing, he shook hands one by one with Representative Kim Jeong-ho, Mayor Heo Seong-moo, and other aides, leaving only a brief greeting, "I will come back well," before heading to the prison in a private vehicle.

At the same time, about 100 supporters and 20 opposition group members were already confronting each other at the entrance of Changwon Prison, creating a tense atmosphere.

The police deployed about 250 personnel to control the area from the entrance to the roadside to prevent any clashes.

At around 12:50 p.m., when former Governor Kim’s vehicle arrived, the scene turned chaotic. Supporters and opposition groups shouted slogans through loudspeakers, engaging in a war of nerves.

Supporters held placards saying "We will be with you until the end" and cheered, "Kim Kyung-soo is us! We are Kim Kyung-soo!"

Opposition groups responded by holding placards reading "Blue House, respond!" and shouted, "Moon Jae-in should go with him!" raising their voices.

During this process, curses and loud voices were exchanged between supporters and opposition groups, and a physical altercation began with phrases like "Can't you understand the situation?" and "Don't talk nonsense," but the police intervened to prevent a clash.

Former Governor Kim’s wife, after seeing him off, broke down in tears while being comforted by close aides.

Supporters watching this at the entrance cried together, saying, "We support Governor Kim Kyung-soo!"

A supporter, Mr. A, who cheered for former Governor Kim that day, said tearfully, "I cannot accept the Supreme Court’s ruling. I believe the truth will come back somehow," and added, "I hope the day comes soon when former Governor Kim’s grievances can be cleared."

Mr. B from the opposition group, who had a physical confrontation with supporters, shouted, "Kim Kyung-soo is a fraud. He is a criminal who deceived the people and manipulated the election."

It is known that both groups visited Masan Prison in a personal capacity without filing a separate assembly report.

Before being incarcerated, former Governor Kim delivered a brief final message in front of the prison: "I am sorry for not being able to be with you until the end. Since the court’s ruling has been made, I will fully bear the burden I must carry."

He then said, "I will silently endure the two years given to me and return in good health," before entering the prison.

Meanwhile, former Governor Kim will serve about 1 year and 9 months of imprisonment, excluding 78 days from the confirmed 2-year sentence.