"Presidential Election Comment Manipulation": Libax School CEO Son Hyosuk Referred to Prosecution

On Charges Including Violation of the Public Official Election Act

Son Hyosuk, CEO of the conservative organization "Libax School," who is accused of manipulating public opinion through online comments ahead of the 21st presidential election, has been referred to the prosecution.

Son Hyosuk, CEO of Libax School, is drinking water at the Libax School hearing held on July 10, 2025, at the National Assembly Education Committee. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On November 14, the Cyber Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that Son was sent to the prosecution on November 12 on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and the Information and Communications Network Act (infringement), as well as disrupting computer work.

Son is accused of running a public opinion manipulation team called "Jasongun" (Freedom Finger Army to Save the Nation through Comments) in May, ahead of the 21st presidential election.

There are also allegations that Son instructed participants to post comments slandering Lee Jaemyung, then-presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, or facilitated their hiring as instructors at "Neulbom School."

Son's side has reportedly denied the allegations, claiming that their activities were legitimate political actions and that the hiring of Neulbom School instructors was unrelated.

Son is also under police investigation for suspicions that the Presidential Office exerted pressure on the Ministry of Education to assist Libax School-affiliated organizations in winning Neulbom School project bids. During the investigation, the police twice requested an arrest warrant for Son on grounds including destruction of evidence, but both requests were denied by the court.

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