[Editorial] Can We Say `There Is No Political Corruption?`

Lee Jeong-Nam, the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, stated at a press conference that there is no corruption at the government level in the current administration.

His view point is quite different from the people`s view of the current government as the `Gate Government`.

He said, "There was no corruption of major companies in connection with political power and no corruption related to finance in the current government. The convention of crying corruption at a simple meeting and branding it as a crime is a problem."

Also, he added, "In the case of Mr. Lee Hyung-Taek, it is not a matter concerning the President but strictly an individual one."

It is surprising that Chairman Lee has this kind of perception.

Political personnel surrounding the nucleus of political power such as the Cheong Wa Dae and the National Intelligence Service are involved in each and every `Gates` that is shaking the country. The name of the President`s son is being mentioned in connection with this as well.

Especially, the investigation of the treasure excavation project in the Jindo sea, in which Mr. Lee H.T, President`s nephew–in-law, is deeply involved, revealed that authorized organizations such as the Cheong Wa Dae, the National Intelligence Service, the ROK Navy, Marine Police Office and Finance Supervisory Service were mobilized.

If Mr. Lee happened to be someone other than the relative of President Kim, or there was no protection of power, could this really be possible? Mr. Lee had the power of political influence and authorization.

Nevertheless, to consider this as merely a private compromise with no connection to the President is a distorted view of the situation.

Moreover, the thing that disappoints us is how the view of the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, who should inspect the cases of concessions given to public officials, is identical to the stance given by the Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson.

It is especially a big problem that the speech given by the head of the most important assessment organization in the nation can make advanced predictions on issue which is currently being investigated.

He is the very person who should take the most strict attitude in order to expose corruption. Yet, he acts as if he were protecting someone. This demands and explanation.

The Cheong Wa Dae is no exception. Above all else, we must eradicate political corruption in order to make society clean and transparent and not grant any special privileges to those in power.