Song Re-questioning Parties Involved in N. Korean Checkbook Diplomacy Scandal

Independent Counsel Song Doo-hwan, current head investigator into the Kim Dae Jung secret checkbook diplomacy scandal with North Korea, summoned former Culture and Tourism Minister Park Ji-won for questioning yesterday concerning the nature of preliminary talks before the North-South summit held during March and April of 2000. Park is believed to have knowledge whether or not the wired money was used to gain the North`s cooperation during the summit.

Independent Counsel Song reportedly grilled Park yesterday to find out whether Kim Dae Jung had knowledge of the money wiring in advance, why Seoul and Pyongyang had preliminary talks before the summit, why Lee Kee-ho and Lim Dong-won had a secret meeting prior to the summit and what was discussed at the meeting, and what role Park played in forcing Korea Industry Bank to give a multimillion dollar loan to Hyundai.

Park will be formally charged for his abuse of power. Along with former presidential aide Lee Kee-ho, Korea Industrial Bank was pressured into giving a $400 million loan to Hyundai Merchant Marine, and played a key role in sending the loan and other money to Kim Jong Il.

Upon arriving at the Office of Independent Counsel in Daechi-dong, Seoul, he told reporters: "If the assignment was given to me again, I would do better with increased dedication. If there had been any problems, I am the one who should be held responsible."

Counsel Song brought in, along with Lee Kee-ho, Lee Ik-chi, former Hyundai Securities chairman, and examined both men a second time. It was found that Counsel Song is considering asking former National Intelligence Service director Lim Dong-won and Hyundai Asan chairman Chung Mong-hun for a comparison of statements with that of former Minister Park.

As to rumors that Kim Dae Jung may be interrogated, a source on the investigation team reported. "We have not considered that option yet,” he stressed. “A team of lawyers at our office are reviewing whether to extend the investigation period," indicating that the office will file a formal request for an extension.

leon@donga.com tesomiom@donga.com