South Korea spy agency admits trying to rig 2012 presidential election
Source: The Guardian
South Korea spy agency admits trying to rig 2012 presidential election
National Intelligence Service says it mobilised cyberwarfare experts to ensure Park Geun-hye beat rival and now president Moon Jae-in
Justin McCurry
Friday 4 August 2017 08.15 BST
South Koreas spy agency has admitted it conducted an illicit campaign to influence the countrys 2012 presidential election, mobilising teams of experts in psychological warfare to ensure that the conservative candidate, Park Geun-hye, beat her liberal rival.
An internal investigation by the powerful National Intelligence Service also revealed attempts by its former director and other senior officials to influence voters during parliamentary elections under Parks predecessor, the hardline rightwinger Lee Myung-bak.
Claims, now confirmed by the service, that it was behind an aggressive online campaign to sway voters is certain to add to public anger towards South Koreas political system.
Park, who narrowly beat the current president, Moon Jae-in, to become the countrys first female president in the 2012 vote, is standing trial on corruption and abuse of power charges, and faces life in prison.
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Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/04/south-koreas-spy-agency-admits-trying-rig-election-national-intelligence-service-2012