The Supreme Court has upheld the lower court's ruling sentencing attorney Kang Yong-seok to six months of imprisonment, suspended for two years, following his role in inciting false accusations against securities firm executive A through the social media influencer known as 'Dodomam,' Kim Mina. This conviction, finalized on June 6, means Kang will be disqualified from practicing law for the next four years.
According to reports, Kang was involved with Kim Mina back in 2015 when she falsely accused A of sexual assault. It has been alleged by Kim herself during court proceedings, supported by the statements of other parties involved, indicating Kang urged her to file the complaint to extract money through potential settlements.
The case started when Kim Mina, who gained fame as 'Dodomam,' aimed to make legal claims against A, claiming he assaulted her. During her testimony, she clarified Kang's involvement undermining her accusations, stating unequivocally, “I was never sexually assaulted nor harassed by A.” This declaration was pivotal, showcasing the extent of Kang's manipulation.
The appellate court noted Kang's past legal troubles, stating, "His lack of moral scruples to repeat such conduct after being previously punished for similar offenses reflects poorly on his character as an attorney." The severity of the ruling is underscored by the law stipulating any attorney sentenced to prison must also deal with the ramifications of their actions on their legal career thereafter.
This conviction marks the end of Kang's legal practice for the foreseeable future. Based on the attorney regulations, any sentence of imprisonment followed by probation leads to automatic disqualification from the legal profession for double the probation period, enforcing stringent professional standards within the legal community.
Kang Yong-seok has also faced legal issues from the 2022 municipal election where he was implicated for allegedly providing bribes during campaign activities. His trial for this case is still underway as he continues to pursue appeal processes.
Kim Mina’s legal troubles, stemming from her implication as well, resulted in her own conviction for inciting false accusations, leading to her receiving eight months of prison time with a two-year suspension. She did not contest the ruling after her initial sentencing was upheld.
The ramifications of this case resonate beyond the individuals involved. It draws attention to the ethical responsibilities of legal practitioners and the potential impacts of social media influencers on the legal system. Individuals who find themselves embroiled within sensational accusations must be considered diligently to uphold the integrity of legal findings.
This incident reflects the rising scrutiny and concern surrounding false accusations, especially as they intersect with high-profile social media figures. Influencers have the capacity to sway public opinion significantly, making their actions and the motives behind them critically important.
The case of Kang Yong-seok and Kim Mina serves as a potent reminder for regulatory bodies to remain vigilant against both exploitation within the legal field and the social dynamics at play among public figures, ensuring the protection of all parties involved and the justice system as a whole.
