"Strong Response to Election Interference"
On May 31, the Democratic Party of Korea announced that it would file a complaint against members of a far-right group in connection with reports that the group had formed a comment-manipulation team called "Jasongun" (an abbreviation for "Free Finger Army Saving the Nation Through Comments") to sway public opinion. The party stated that this incident is "similar in nature to the 2012 National Intelligence Service comment manipulation case" and called for a thorough investigation.
The Democratic Party's Central Election Countermeasures Committee Rapid Response Team, led by Kang Deukgu, held a press conference at the party headquarters in Yeouido on the same day. The team stated, "Forces that once attempted to legitimize acts of rebellion under the absurd pretext of election fraud are now deeply implicated in manipulating public opinion through organized comment campaigns."
The Rapid Response Team emphasized, "Through yesterday's reports, we learned that a far-right group is orchestrating organized comment manipulation tactics. This time, we must take strict action together with the public."
The previous day, investigative media outlet Newstapa reported that it had confirmed through undercover reporting that a conservative group called "Reebak School" was operating "Jasongun."
The Rapid Response Team further stated, "Mr. Son, who leads Reebak School, openly claimed to have a close relationship with candidate Kim Moonsoo. There are also reports that Mr. Lee, a former 'Alpha Team Leader' involved in the NIS comment manipulation case, is assisting candidate Kim. Candidate Kim has a duty to clearly explain any connections between himself, Reebak School, Mr. Lee, and his campaign."
The team also argued, "According to reports, Reebak School disguised itself as a parents' association and held a press conference at the National Assembly on May 27, which was arranged by People Power Party lawmaker Cho Jeonghoon. Floor leader Kwon Seongdong and lawmaker Kim Sanghoon also attended and offered encouragement. Given these facts, there is ample reason to suspect links between the People Power Party, candidate Kim's campaign, and these groups. Furthermore, Mr. Son holds a position as an education policy advisory committee member at the Ministry of Education under the Yoon Sukyeol administration, which also raises suspicions of ties to the current government."
In response, People Power Party lawmaker Cho Jeonghoon immediately refuted the claims via social media, stating, "This is not true." Cho said, "The press conference in question was held at the request of a civic group, and I was not informed in advance of the content, participants, or information about the group. If the Democratic Party continues to repeat false information as if it were fact and causes confusion among the public, I will take all necessary measures to protect the public's right to know."
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