"Did You Die Saving the Country?" Itaewon 'Verbal Abuse' Charges and Indictment
Kim Mina, a member of the Changwon 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 sentence again in the appellate court.
The 1st Criminal Division of the Changwon Branch of the Busan High Court (Chief Judge Lee Ju-yeon, Judges Kwak Ri-chan and Seok Dong-woo) announced this verdict at the final appellate trial for Councilor Kim on the afternoon of the 15th.
The court stated, "Since there are no new circumstances or special changes after the original trial, and considering all sentencing standards, the original judgment is appropriate," adding, "The prosecutor's claim of inappropriate sentencing is dismissed."
Kim Mina, a member of the Changwon City Council in Gyeongnam, is answering reporters' questions in front of the courtroom building after the appellate court verdict. [Photo by Lee Seryeong]
Earlier, Councilor Kim was brought to trial on charges of posting 'inflammatory' posts related to the Itaewon disaster and derogatory remarks about Cargo Solidarity Union members on her social networking service (SNS) in December 2022.
Regarding the Itaewon disaster that occurred in November of the same year, she said, "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 much will they milk the black ribbon?" and "Corpse-selling scoundrels."
Regarding the Cargo Solidarity Union, she is accused of writing posts such as "Those ridiculous bastards who dare to defy the country without fear," and "They look damn miserable."
Councilor Kim, who appeared in court on crutches with a half cast on her injured right foot from a month ago, met with reporters in front of the courthouse after the sentencing.
When asked by reporters if she had any words to convey to the victims, Kim replied, "I am sorry. I sincerely apologize to the victims."
Kim Eun-hyung, head of the Gyeongnam branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), expressed deep regret over the appellate court's verdict, saying, "She made unforgivable inflammatory remarks not only against the Cargo Solidarity Union but also against the bereaved families of the Itaewon disaster. It is deeply regrettable how a ruling favorable to the privileged was made," and added, "We need to discuss what to do next. It is very unfair and frustrating."
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