’Ggomsu’ co-hosts to be investigated

By Kim Tae-jong

Police will question Kim Eo-jun, the publisher of Internet newspaper Ddanzi Ilbo, and six others for allegedly defaming Na Kyung-won, the defeated Seoul mayoral candidate from the ruling Grand National Party.

The investigation comes as the campaign camp of Na accused them of spreading false rumors during the run-up to Wednesday’s election.

One of the rumors, it claims Kim spread, was that Na pays 100 million won a year to go to a skin care clinic in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul.

Kim has emerged as one of the country’s most influential political commentators due to the popularity of his podcast “I’m a Ggomsu” (cheater), in which he and three other commentators have openly criticized and ridiculed figures of the GNP including President Lee Myung-bak.

The Internet-based radio show is one of the most popular podcasts on Apple’s iTunes content store, with millions of iPhone users downloading and many more people listening on different mobile platforms and personal computers.

Others to be questioned include Rep. Lee Yong-sup, spokesman of the main opposition Democratic Party, reporters and a political commentator.

Police said first they will verify whether Na really spends 100 million won for skin care and later summon the seven.