Special Prosecutor Heo Ik-beom: "Kim Kyung-soo Verdict... A Warning to Hold 'Fair Elections'"

Special Prosecutor Heo Ik-beom [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Heo Ik-beom, the special prosecutor who led the investigation and prosecution of the 'Druking comment manipulation' case, commented on the Supreme Court's final ruling confirming the guilty verdict against Governor Kim Kyung-soo of Gyeongnam Province for ordering comment manipulation, stating, "I believe this serves as a warning to conduct fair elections."

On the 21st, Special Prosecutor Heo expressed this position regarding the Supreme Court's Second Division (Presiding Justice Lee Dong-won) upholding the original sentence of two years imprisonment in the final appeal trial of Governor Kim, who was charged with computer-related obstruction of business and violations of the Public Official Election Act.

Special Prosecutor Heo said, "This case is less about punishing a specific individual and more about holding politicians accountable for using private organizations to interfere in election campaigns," adding, "I believe it serves as a warning to conduct fair elections going forward." However, he expressed regret, stating, "I am disappointed that the original court's decision, which downplayed the significance of the Public Official Election Act violation charges and applied a restrictive legal evaluation and interpretation of the punishment provisions, was upheld as is," and added, "There is concern that this could send the wrong signal to those involved in politics."

Furthermore, he said, "While my role has been to convey what the evidence indicates, the acknowledgment of facts such as witnessing the King Crab demonstration, involvement in manipulating internet comment rankings, and offers of public office means that most of the criminal facts have been admitted, which is a response to the defendant's call to reveal the truth." He also expressed gratitude, saying, "I thank everyone who supported me in fulfilling my fundamental duties as a special prosecutor in uncovering the truth of this case."

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