Lee Jae-myung: "Moon's Apology for Kim Kyung-soo's Conviction? I Consider It an Unfair Political Offensive"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung is giving a greeting at the '2021 Democratic Party of Korea Gyeonggi Province Budget Policy Council' held on the afternoon of the 20th in the first conference room of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung sharply criticized the opposition's demand for an apology from President Moon Jae-in regarding Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of South Gyeongsang Province, who was sentenced to two years in prison in the 'Druking comment manipulation' case, saying, "He himself says he is not involved, so how could he apologize?"

On the 21st, in response to a question on MBN News asking, "Is there no need for the president to apologize?" Lee replied, "I think it is an unfair political attack."

Regarding the opposition's claim that President Moon shares joint responsibility for Kim's confirmed guilt, he drew a line, saying, "Political responsibility cannot be denied, but (Kim) strongly denies it himself, and the testimonies are very conflicting."

He continued, "In elections, various people express themselves in various ways," and questioned, "If everything is judged by the law's standards, can elections even be possible?"

Also, after Kim's guilt was confirmed, Lee posted on his Facebook, saying, "It is truly regrettable. I am at a loss for words."

He wrote, "As comrades from the same party, we have shared various concerns, and it is very unfortunate," adding, "I believe you will endure this difficult time well and return to us with that usual kind smile."

Governor Kim Kyung-soo of Gyeongnam, who was sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in the 'Druking comment public opinion manipulation' case, is making a statement at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office on the 21st.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier that day, the Supreme Court's 2nd Division (Presiding Justice Lee Dong-won) dismissed both the prosecution's and Kim's appeals in the final trial for charges including computer-related obstruction of business, confirming the original sentence of two years in prison.

In response, opposition presidential candidates such as Hong Joon-pyo of the People Power Party, Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Party, former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, as well as former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, and Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong, who were directly affected by the Druking comment manipulation, collectively raised their voices urging President Moon to apologize.

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