ED Failed probe
Special counsel investigation on Moon's aide closes
The independent counsel's investigation into the online manipulation scandal involving South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyoung-soo has closed without any definitive findings.
Special counsel Huh Ik-bum said the investigation team had concluded that the governor, who is known as one of closest associates of President Moon Jae-in, had colluded with the blogger Druking to sway public opinion in favor of Moon before the May 2017 presidential election.
The special counsel said Kim and Druking had engaged in opinion-rigging activities from November 2016 through the presidential election. Huh said Kim had approved the use of software Druking developed called King Crab, which could be used to manipulate votes on online comments. The special prosecutors determined Kim had approved the development and use of the software as he was present for a demonstration of the program during a visit to Druking's office in November 2016.
The investigation team indicted the South Gyeongsang governor, the blogger, whose real name is Kim Dong-won, and others on the charge of obstruction of business of major portal sites including Naver. In addition, Kim was charged with violating the Election Law for allegedly offering the post of consul general in Sendai, Japan, to an acquaintance of Druking in exchange for assistance in the local elections.
Kim has denied the allegations against him, saying Druking was just one of many supporters.
The special counsel's findings are far short of the public's expectations to get to the bottom of the case that involves the President's close aide. Earlier, a local court rejected the investigation team's request for an arrest warrant for the governor, indicating the team's lack of decisive evidence of Kim's alleged wrongdoings. The investigation also lost momentum after the death last month of Rep. Roh Hoe-chan, an icon of progressive politics, following allegations he had received money from a political group led by Druking.
Online manipulation is a serious crime that threatens democracy and undermines the authenticity of election outcomes. Kim's attitude since the scandal first broke in April has been disappointing and many people retain their suspicions against him even after the court rejected the arrest warrant. Regardless of political status, anyone who engages in such a grave crime must be strictly punished. The court should do its utmost for an impartial ruling on the case regardless of the political situation.