Choi Kang-wook: "My wonderful friend Kim Kyung-soo, living as a defendant in this era will become a medal of honor in the future"

"Think of it as a few months delayed until the day of innocence is revealed"

Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 9th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, comforted Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam, who was sentenced to prison in both the first and second trials on charges of conspiring to manipulate online comments before the 19th presidential election.

On the afternoon of the 9th, Choi wrote on his Facebook, "I spoke with Governor Kim Kyung-soo," adding, "As expected, he was calm and confident. Truly a great friend."

He continued, "I told him to think of the delay of a few months before his innocence is proven," and "He cheerfully ended the call saying that living as a defendant in this era could become a medal in the future. Please support him so he does not get discouraged. He will definitely win," he added.

Earlier, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Ham Sang-hoon) on the afternoon of the 6th sentenced Kim Kyung-soo to two years in prison for the charge of manipulating comments before the presidential election, while acquitting him of violating the Public Official Election Act by allegedly proposing the position of Consul General in Osaka, Japan, to the Druking group.

Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, who was indicted on charges of manipulating public opinion through comments, is leaving the building after the appellate court sentencing hearing held on the afternoon of the 6th at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

The court stated, "Fair public opinion formation is of great importance in a democratic society, and those who betray it must bear the corresponding responsibility," adding, "Even if the macro program called 'King Crab' was not used, tolerating such organized comment brigade activities is something a respected politician must never do."

However, the court maintained Kim's non-custodial status, saying, "He currently holds public office, has participated sincerely in the trials so far, and there is no concern about flight or evidence destruction."

Kim Kyung-soo is accused of conspiring with Kim Dong-won, known as 'Druking,' and his associates to manipulate portal site comment opinions to help Moon Jae-in, the Democratic Party candidate, win the 19th presidential election. He is also charged with proposing the position of Consul General in Sendai after Druking requested the Osaka Consul General post following the election.

Previously, the first trial court sentenced him to two years in prison for comment manipulation and gave a 10-month prison sentence with a two-year probation for violating the Public Official Election Act.

Meanwhile, after the appellate court ruling on the 6th, Kim Kyung-soo held a press conference stating, "I respect the court's judgment, but it is a verdict I cannot accept," and "I will immediately appeal to the Supreme Court to reveal the other half of the truth."

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