Sentencing of Kim Kyung-soo to 2 Years in Prison... Ruling Party: "Unacceptable" vs Opposition: "Expected Outcome"

Kim Kyung-soo Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for 'Comment Manipulation' in Second Trial
"I Will Reveal Half the Truth... Immediate Appeal"

Governor Kim Kyung-soo of Gyeongnam, who was indicted on charges of manipulating public opinion through comments, is seen answering questions from reporters as he leaves the building after the appellate court sentencing hearing held on the afternoon of the 6th at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] The ruling and opposition parties showed contrasting positions on June 6 regarding the 2-year prison sentence handed down in the appellate court to Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, who was tried on charges including conspiring to manipulate comments on a portal site by the so-called 'Druking' group. The ruling party expressed strong regret, calling it an "unacceptable verdict," while the opposition party called it a "natural outcome" and urged Governor Kim to resign.

Kang Sun-woo, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said at a briefing at the National Assembly Communication Office that day, "We took a step closer to the truth but ultimately did not reach it," and criticized the ruling as "an absolutely unacceptable verdict."

He added, "Governor Kim has quietly led the Gyeongnam provincial government despite unfair speculation and political attacks," and said, "I believe he will continue to devote himself to provincial administration without wavering until the remaining truth is revealed by the Supreme Court." He also stated, "We are confident in Governor Kim's innocence and will make every effort to uncover the truth," and expressed "strong regret again over the appellate court's ruling."

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, also said on his Facebook, "The appellate court's ruling is regrettable." He said, "The court's judgment that it was not a violation of election law is natural," and added, "However, I expect the Supreme Court to correct the judgment on other parts. I believe the Supreme Court will make a wise decision."

Governor Kim Kyung-soo of Gyeongnam, who was indicted on charges of manipulating public opinion through comments, is answering questions from reporters as he leaves the building after the appellate court sentencing hearing held on the afternoon of the 6th at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the other hand, the People Power Party welcomed the appellate court's ruling that sentenced Governor Kim to two years in prison.

Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in a statement, "Governor Kim's manipulation of comment public opinion is a serious crime that trampled on elections, the flower of democracy, and furthermore, a serious threat to liberal democracy, so today's ruling is a natural outcome."

He pointed out, "On the other hand, it is hard to accept the acquittal on the Public Official Election Act, for which he was clearly found to have closely cooperated and recommended personnel while knowing about the comment operation, and was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a 2-year probation in the first trial."

He continued, "I hope the court, which delayed for over 1 year and 10 months while watching the regime's mood, did not apply a double standard of 'pro-Moon innocence, anti-Moon guilt' or 'ruling party innocence, opposition party guilt.'"

He also said, "The regime has already taken control of the prosecution by putting Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae in front and obstructed investigations into the living power. Therefore, the court is the last bastion to uphold the rule of law," and urged, "I hope the Supreme Court will show its determination to uphold the rule of law with a ruling more in line with common sense and justice."

Meanwhile, Spokesperson Bae emphasized, "Although he avoided detention in court today, all of Governor Kim's illegal acts were acknowledged," and said, "If he has even the minimum conscience, he should apologize to the people now and resign from the governor's office. Also, the Democratic Party should publicly apologize to the people as a responsible political party."

Earlier that day, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Ham Sang-hoon) sentenced Governor Kim to two years in prison for the charge of obstructing business by computer, the same as in the first trial. However, unlike the first trial, considering that Governor Kim holds a public office and there is no risk of evidence destruction or flight, the court did not order detention.

After the appellate ruling, Governor Kim met with reporters and said, "I respect the court's judgment," but added, "It is a verdict that I absolutely cannot accept." He continued, "Only half of the truth has been revealed," and said, "I will immediately appeal to the Supreme Court to reveal the other half."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.