Kim Kyung-soo Supreme Court Verdict Today... Conclusion on 'Druking Comment Manipulation' After 3 Years

by Cho Seongpill

Published 21 Jul.2021 06:44(KST)

Updated 21 Jul.2021 07:01(KST)

Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The Supreme Court's ruling on Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, who was indicted in connection with the 'Druking comment manipulation' case, will be announced on the 21st.

The Supreme Court's 2nd Division (Presiding Justice Lee Dong-won) will deliver its verdict at 10:15 a.m. on the same day regarding the case against Governor Kim, who was charged with computer-related obstruction of business and violation of the Public Official Election Act. It has been over three years since Kim was indicted on related charges. Kim was accused of conspiring with Kim Dong-won, known as 'Druking,' and his associates to manipulate public opinion using an automated program (macro) called 'King Crab' to secure the election of Moon Jae-in, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, starting from November 2016. There is also a charge of violating the Public Official Election Act for allegedly continuing comment manipulation with Kim until the local elections in 2017 and offering Kim the position of Consul General in Sendai, Japan.

The first trial court found all charges against Governor Kim guilty, sentencing him to two years in prison for comment manipulation and ordering his detention in court. For the Public Official Election Act violation, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two-year probation. The appellate court recognized only the comment manipulation charge as guilty and acquitted him of the Public Official Election Act violation. Although sentenced to two years in prison, he was not detained in court.

If the appellate court's ruling is upheld on this day, Governor Kim will undergo re-incarceration procedures. He will also lose his governorship and be barred from running for election for five years. Elected officials are disqualified from office if convicted of violating the Public Official Election Act with a fine of 1 million won or more, or if sentenced to imprisonment without labor or higher in general criminal cases. On the other hand, if the case is remanded, it will inevitably take considerable time until a final verdict is reached. If Governor Kim appeals again after the remand trial, it could take more than a year. In that case, the trial will not conclude within Kim's term. Kim, who took office in July 2018, has a term lasting until June 2022.