Probe into Venture Gangster Scandal under Suspicion of Being Minimized

In relation to a suspicion about a minimized probe over the venture gangster scandal raised by the Grand National Party (GNP) Lawmaker Lee Won-Hyung at the parliamentary interpellation session of government on Oct. 16, a transcript of a taped dialogue between Mr. Park, a complainant of this scandal, and Chief Prosecutor Kim, the director of the probe over this scandal at that time, was released.

Rep. Lee presented three transcripts of taped dialogues between Park and Kim, between Park and Mr. Seo, a plaintiff of this scandal and between Park and Mr. Ahn, Park`s junior at his hometown, and alleged, ``This scandal is a power-related corruption case in which the powerful put pressure on the Prosecutor`s Office.``

In the conversation made on Mar. 30 between Park and Chief Prosecutor Kim, Kim referred to the involvement of politicians in this scandal and told that the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) Floor Leader Lee Sang-Soo had made several calls to him.

In addition, Park voluntarily disclosed the fact that he had attempted to hand over an envelop of money to Chief Prosecutor Kim and the prosecutor in charge, but had been rejected. He also argued that Seo, the plaintiff, had lobbied politicians and the prosecution personnel.

Besides, it was told in the conversation on Oct. 14 between Park and Ahn that Seo had lobbied three top prosecution officials, whose names were referred to. But its reliability is questionable.

Rep. Lee of the GNP said, ``In addition to three transcripts of taped conversation, I also possess a copy of a diary in a form of memorandum that accounts for Seo`s lobbying attempts to have Park arrested for the crime of false charge. It will be disclosed later as the investigation into this scandal proceeds.``

Kim Jeong-Hun jnghn@donga.com