Politics Superceding Justice In Checkbook Scandal

Independent Counsel Song Doo-hwan, who has been looking into the alleged secret deal between Kim Dae Jung and North Korean dictator Kim Jung Il, announced yesterday that he would indict those who played key roles in the secret checkbook diplomacy by Wednesday. So far, former Culture Minister Park Ji-won, former National Intelligence Service director Lim Dong-won and Hyundai Asan chairman Chung Mong-hun have been arrested.

A source on the team said: "We will determine the scope of indictment by June 25. The scope is not likely to be wide. But, Chung, Lim and Park are sure to be indicted. Especially, Park will be charged without bail."

Indictments will be brought against only 7-8 out of the 17 key players. The Counsel reportedly considers waiving indictments for the rest.

Upon President Roh`s announcement of termination of the investigation period, Independent Counsel Song issued a statement and said that "it is regretful that, for political reasons, I am forced to wrap up my investigation unfinished." Counsel Song also added, "I will go by President Roh`s decision, and try to respect it."

Counsel Song is reportedly considering indicting only those who are directly related to the checkbook scandal, leaving Park`s 15 billion bribery scandal to the prosecution.

"When a key material witness is living abroad, examination of banking transaction records takes a long time," said a source on the investigation team. "Thus, it`s impossible for us to finish up the work. We have to make some modifications to our original plan."

In the meanwhile, Counsel Song summoned Chairman Chung again for questioning, and examined Lim one more time to determine the "quid pro quo relationship" between Kim Dae Jung`s wiring and Kim Jung Il`s acceptance of the summit proposal.

The prosecution, however, said, with regard to Park`s 15 billion bribe that "Counsel Song has no duty to hand over his investigation results, nor do we find any legal grounds for their acceptance. We will first look into the scandal ourselves and determine whether to receive them."

leon@donga.com jarrett@donga.com