"Did You Die Saving the Country?" Kim Mina, Changwon City Councilor Accused of Itaewon 'Offensive Remarks,' Given Suspended Prison Sentence (Summary)

Kim Mina, a member of the Changwon Special City Council in Gyeongnam, who was indicted on charges of insulting the bereaved families of the Itaewon disaster and members of the Cargo Solidarity Union, received a suspended prison sentence in the first trial.

On the 19th, the Criminal Division 3 of the Masan Branch of the Changwon District Court in Gyeongnam suspended the sentence of 3 months imprisonment for Kim, who was tried for the crime of insult.

A suspended sentence means that although the crime is acknowledged, the sentencing is postponed for a certain period, and if no issues arise during the suspension period of 2 years, the sentence is exempted.

If during the suspension period, the defendant is sentenced to or confirmed to have a prior record of disqualification or higher punishment, the suspended sentence will be enforced.

On this day, the court issued a ruling different from the prosecution’s request for a fine of 3 million won against Kim.

Kim Mina, a member of the Changwon Special City Council in Gyeongnam, is leaving the courthouse after receiving a suspended sentence in the first trial.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

The court stated, “The defendant’s crime caused great wounds to more than 200 victims,” and added, “Considering the significant impact of the posts made while holding a public position and the fact that the victims have not forgiven the defendant, the guilt is not light.”

“However, taking into account the defendant’s acknowledgment of wrongdoing and remorseful attitude, the pledge not to commit such crimes again, the apology expressed through some media, and the absence of prior criminal punishment, the sentence was determined.”

It further explained, “Although the prosecution’s request for a fine was considered, given the nature of the crime committed by the defendant and the defendant’s social status, a prison sentence was chosen as the main type, but a sentence such as probation that involves removal from office was avoided.”

Earlier, Kim was accused of posting defamatory remarks about the Itaewon disaster and disparaging comments about members of the Cargo Solidarity Union on her social media in December last year.

Regarding the Itaewon disaster that occurred in November last year, she wrote, “The bereaved families who kill the souls who went to heaven at such a young age like flowers for the second time,” “There are rumors that they are selling their children,” “Did they die saving the country?” “Those from the Democratic Party have milked the yellow ribbon for about 8 to 9 years, and now how long will they milk the black ribbon?” and “Corpse-selling scoundrels.”

About the Cargo Solidarity Union, she wrote, “Those ridiculous bastards who dare to defy the country without fear,” and “They look damn miserable.”

Immediately after the sentencing, Kim left the scene without responding to reporters’ questions about her stance on the sentence or whether she felt remorse.