People Power Party: "Kim Kyung-soo Guilty, Expected Outcome", "Moon Jae-in Loses Legitimacy of Election"

Kim Kyung-soo Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison Again for 'Comment Manipulation'
People Power Party: "The Democratic Party Must Publicly Apologize to the People," "Who Is the Mastermind Behind the Comment Manipulation?"

Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, who was indicted on charges of manipulating public opinion through comments, is seen answering reporters' questions 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] On the 6th, as Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, was sentenced to two years in prison in the appellate court following the first trial on charges of manipulating comments on a portal site, the People Power Party called for Kim's voluntary resignation and an apology from President Moon Jae-in and the ruling party.

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

He added, "On the other hand, it is hard to accept that the court acquitted the Public Official Election Act charges, for which Kim was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two-year probation in the first trial, despite it being clear that he closely cooperated and recommended personnel while knowing about the comment manipulation."

He said, "The regime has already taken control of the prosecution by putting Minister Choo Mi-ae at the forefront and obstructed investigations into the living power. Therefore, the court is the last bastion to uphold the rule of law," and urged, "We 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."

He also said, "Although Kim avoided detention in court today, all his illegal acts were acknowledged," and urged, "If he has even the minimum conscience, he should now apologize to the people and step down from the governorship. Furthermore, the Democratic Party of Korea should publicly apologize to the people as a responsible political party."

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]

Kim Ki-hyun, a lawmaker from the same party, pointed out regarding Kim's appellate sentencing that "President Moon Jae-in cannot be free from responsibility either."

In a post on his Facebook that day, he wrote, "In today's appellate sentencing of Kim, the court found him guilty of conspiring with the so-called 'Druking' group to manipulate public opinion using the comment manipulation program 'King Crab' since around November 2016," but added, "It is difficult to accept the partial acquittal on the election law violation charges. This part must be subject to further legal and historical judgment."

He continued, "Even according to the appellate ruling, today's guilty verdict has already undermined the legitimacy of the last presidential election," and said, "Since Kim, recognized as President Moon's right-hand man and the leader of the pro-Moon faction, was found guilty again in the second trial for involvement in comment manipulation, President Moon cannot be free from responsibility for the illegal comment manipulation during the last presidential election."

He also raised his voice toward President Moon, saying, "Don't cut the tail at Governor Kim, who acted as the ringleader of the comment manipulation. If you are confident and proud, you should reveal the whole truth and apologize to the people. Who is the mastermind behind the comment manipulation?"

Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, 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]

Kim Geun-sik, professor at Gyeongnam National University and head of the Seoul Songpa-byeong Party Committee, also said, "We cannot help but doubt the legitimacy of Moon Jae-in's election."

He criticized on his Facebook, "Since it has been confirmed that the Druking comments, which were far more extensive, organized, and meticulous than the National Intelligence Service's comment manipulation during the Park Geun-hye administration, manipulated public opinion under the tacit approval of Kim Kyung-soo, a key figure in the Moon administration, the legitimacy of Moon Jae-in's election will inevitably be damaged over time."

He emphasized, "After the regime change in 2022, additional investigations should thoroughly reveal the introduction process of Druking by Secretary Song In-bae's superiors and whether Kim's superiors were involved or tacitly approved."

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

After the appellate sentencing, Kim met with reporters and said, "I respect the court's judgment," but added, "It is a ruling 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.