They would not have included South Korea if that were the case. South Korea has 5x the population of Sweden. Similarly, Spain, Italy and France have 5-7x the population of Sweden.
To me, I think the motivations are clear.
Sweden vs. Denmark, Poland, South Korea, Norway, Finland chart
It was created to "prove" that Sweden (no confinement) is doing FAR WORSE than countries with some level of confinement (Denmark, Poland, South Korea, Norway, Finland).
Sweden vs. Spain, France, Italy chart
This chart could be created to "prove" that Sweden (no confinement) is doing MUCH BETTER than countries with strict confinement (Spain, France, Italy).
For what's it worth, I generally agree with you. I just don't agree with the biased, disingenous use of the data to make the argument. And both of the charts above are more interested in "proving" a perspective rather than arriving at the truth.
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