2018 opinion rigging scandal in South Korea
 The fake company's office where the perpetrators committed online opinion rigging | |
| Native name | 더불어민주당원 댓글 조작 사건 |
|---|---|
| English name | 2018 opinion rigging scandal in South Korea |
| Duration | 2014 – April 13, 2018 |
| Location | Paju, South Korea |
| Coordinates | 37°42′46″N 126°41′10″E / 37.712676°N 126.686071°E |
The 2018 opinion rigging scandal in South Korea is a political scandal that erupted in April 2018 after a group of ardent supporters of the South Korean President Moon Jae-in had been charged with online opinion rigging.[1] The accused suspects were the members of the ruling Democratic Party (DPK).[2] The main perpetrator, as well as the leader of the pro-Moon group, was a well-known power-blogger called "Druking."[1]
Organized opinion rigging
Druking established a fake company known as the "Neureupnamu (Japanese elm) publishing company" in the city of Paju for organized opinion rigging.[3][4] The accused used a macro program that can generate a barrage of online comments and likes in a few seconds in order to manipulate the public opinion in their favor.[4]
Controversy
The scandal led to a clash of political parties in South Korea. The Blue House and the ruling Democratic Party insisted that they are also a victim of the scandal.[1] But the opposition parties emphasized that, since President Moon's involvement is suspected, this scandal is linked to the Moon administration's legitimacy.[5] They called for a special prosecutor investigation for scrutiny.[5]
Special prosecutor investigation
On May 21, 2018, the National Assembly of South Korea passed a bill to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the scandal.[6]
On June 8, president Moon has appointed former prosecutor and current lawyer Huh Ik-beom for the special prosecutor. [7]
Justice Party lawmaker and long-time progressive activist Roh Hoe-chan committed suicide on July 23 during the investigation.
Kim Kyung-Soo, the current governer of South Gyeongsang Province and former lawmaker, was summoned by the Special Prosecutor, on August 7. [8]
The special prosecutor issued the warrant for arrest on Kim, however the request was rejected by Seoul central district court. [9] Prosecutor Huh annonced the official end of investigation on August 27, without any extension of period. [10] The prosecutor announced the conclusion, tha t governer Kim, lawmaker at that time, is accomplice to the scandal, and will be under indictment without detention. [11]
The Minjoo Party spokesperson criticized the special prosecutor, claming the investigation process depended only on Druking's testimonial, without any proper evidence. [12]
References
- ^ a b c "Opinion-Rigging Scandal Rattles Cheong Wa Dae". The Chosun Ilbo. 19 April 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
- ^ "Police Detain Bloggers Accused of Rigging Online Comments". KBS World. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
- ^ "Blogger sent 5 million won to Rep. Kim's aide: Police". Korea JoongAng Daily. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
- ^ a b "Online Comment Rigging". KBS World. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
- ^ a b "(LEAD) LKP submits bills for special probes into opinion rigging scandal, controversy over ex-FSS chief". Yonhap. 17 April 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
- ^ "[Newsmaker] Parliament OKs bills on extra budget, special counsel probe". The Korea Herald. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ http://www.rokdrop.net/2018/06/president-moon-appoints-special-counsel-to-investigate-druking-scandal/
- ^ http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20180806000118
- ^ http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society_general/858141.html
- ^ https://news.joins.com/article/22917887
- ^ http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society_general/858141.html
- ^ http://news.donga.com/3/all/20180822/91629479/2