Is South Korea's Democratic Party Demanding an Investigation into Election Manipulation?

Synopsis
The South Korean Democratic Party is demanding a deep dive into alleged election manipulation by a conservative education group, sparking debates about integrity in politics. As investigations unfold, the implications on public trust and educational influence become critical. Will accountability be established in the wake of these serious allegations?
Key Takeaways
- Democratic Party demands investigation into online manipulation.
- Accusations against Rhee Park School for influencing public opinion.
- Police have banned the group's leader from leaving the country.
- Transparency and accountability are essential for democracy.
- Public trust in electoral processes is at stake.
Seoul, June 7 (NationPress) – The Democratic Party of South Korea (DP) has urged a comprehensive investigation into the alleged online manipulation of public opinion by a conservative educational organization during the last days of the June 3 presidential election campaign.
In a formal statement, DP floor spokesperson Noh Jong-myeon emphasized the necessity for a “fair and urgent investigation” into the far-right organization “Rhee Park School” to ascertain their involvement in manipulating online comments and spreading far-right propaganda aimed at indoctrinating children.
“We will hold accountable anyone attempting to disrupt our society by distorting public opinion and contaminating the educational sector with far-right indoctrination,” he stated.
Recent reports from the online news outlet Newstapa indicated that the education group, named in honor of former conservative Presidents Rhee Syng-man and Park Chung-hee, has been operating a team of online commenters to influence public perception in favor of the then conservative People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo and against Lee Jae-myung, the liberal DP candidate who ultimately won the presidential election, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The team allegedly coordinated its efforts by instructing members to post comments both praising Kim and criticizing Lee, according to Newstapa's findings.
In response, the DP has filed a complaint against the organization, alleging violations of election laws and interference with business operations.
Previously, the DP established a special committee to investigate these claims.
On June 4, South Korean police initiated an investigation into the conservative educational organization accused of online opinion manipulation during the election campaign's final days.
Authorities announced that they had prohibited Son Hyo-sook, the head of the far-right group “Rhee Park School,” from leaving the country and conducted a raid on the organization’s office in Seoul to gather evidence earlier that day.