Prosecution To Summon Former Lawmakers Suspected of Taking Bribes From Hyundai

Supreme Public Prosecutors` Office investigating Hyundai Group`s secret fund scandal said Wednesday that two former lawmakers suspected of taking bribes from the conglomerate would be summoned next week.

The prosecution is expected to summon former GNP lawmakers Park Joo-chun and Leem Jin-chul for their involvement in the bribery scandal. Prosecutors are now considering seeking an arrest warrant against the two lawmakers unless they show up at the prosecution on Sept 18.

The prosecution is carrying out a comprehensive investigation into the Hyundai Group`s secret fund scandal. Allegedly, Hyundai Engineering and Construction lobbied lawmakers and influential figures in financial circles ahead of the parliamentary audit in 2000.

Reportedly, the prosecution has secured testimonies from Hyundai officials that the company lobbied lawmakers including MDP Rep. Park Joo-sun asking for their influence to prevent Hyundai Asan Chairman Chung Mong-hun, who committed suicide in early August, from being called in for questioning by lawmakers during the 2000 parliamentary audit session.

Officials at the prosecution said, “We have secured sufficient evidence to prove lawmaker Park Joo-sun`s role in the case.” However, lawmaker Park and others flatly denied their involvement.

The persecution is considering summoning MDP lawmaker Lee Hoon-pyung who is suspected of taking bribes from Hyundai Group.

Wi-Yong Jung Jin-Young Hwang viyonz@donga.com buddy@donga.com