Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, who was indicted for his involvement in the 'Drooking Comment Manipulation' case, was sentenced to the Supreme Court in one day.
According to the legal community, the second part of the Supreme Court (Chief Justice Lee Dong-won) will hold the trial of Governor Kim, who was handed over to trial for illegal public opinion manipulation using comments tomorrow (21st).
It has been about eight months since Governor Kim was sentenced to two years in prison at the appeals court last November.
Governor Kim is accused of manipulating public opinion with 'King Crab', an automation program (macro), in collusion with Dong-won Kim and his party, the so-called 'Drooking', in order to win the election of President Moon Jae-in, who has been the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party since November 2016 (disabled tasks such as computers). obstruction) was tried.
In addition, he is also accused of suggesting Kim's post as consul general in Sendai, Japan (violation of the Public Official Election Act) by deciding to continue manipulating comments until the 2017 local elections with Mr. Kim.
The first trial pleaded guilty to all charges against Governor Kim, sentenced him to two years in prison for manipulating comments, and arrested Governor Kim in court.
He was sentenced to 10 months in prison and 2 years of probation for violating the Public Official Election Act.
However, the second trial found only Governor Kim guilty of manipulating comments and acquitted him of violating the Public Official Election Act.
The court sentenced Governor Kim to two years in prison, but did not arrest him, who was released on bail.
The key issue in this appeal is whether Governor Kim was aware of the automation program 'King Crab' developed by Mr. Kim.
Special Prosecutor Heo Ik-beom said that Governor Kim received a report from Mr. Kim on the progress of King Crab development, etc.
On the other hand, Governor Kim countered that he only reported that Mr. Kim was engaged in 'Sunplay activities' but did not explain anything about King Crab.
Violation of the Public Official Election Act, which was judged guilty of innocence in the first and second trials, was held by the Supreme Court as an appeal by the special prosecutor.
The Special Prosecutor's Office believes that Governor Kim's offer of the post of Consul-General in Sendai, Japan to Mr. Kim's side is a reward for continuing to manipulate comments until June 2018.
However, the second trial judge acquitted the Sendai consul-general proposal, saying it has nothing to do with local elections and should be viewed as a reward for supporting President Moon Jae-in's campaign during the presidential election.
(Photo = Yonhap News)