Choi Gyu-Sun, Under Suspicion of Involvement in Sportswear Label Business

Choi Gyu-sun, C.E.O of Future City environment (42. photo), who is under suspicion of involvement in sportswear label business, disclosed on 9th that he gave millions of won several times to Hong-gul, the third son of President Kim Dae-Jung without interest or cost.

As Mr. Chun Ho-Young (37), former secretary of Mr. Choi accused him in Seoul district court on suspicion of violating lawyer law, etc, investigation for the source of his money, how he gave it, cleaning the fund and tax evasion, etc seems to be inevitable.

Mr. Choi called press conference in his office at Yeoksam-dong Gangnam-gu Seoul on 9th in order to explain Mr. Chun`s accusations and revealed the relationship with Mr. Hong-gul.

He said, “we used to meet like brothers after I stated knowing Mr. Hong-gul in 1994, while I was studying in the U.S.” and “ I used to give pocket money to Hong gul around tens of million won and helped him to buy car and my wife once transacted thousand of dollars to Hong gul who is in the U.S.”

Mr. Choi also insisted, “ I have property worth billions of won as I have been in business, therefore, I was able to help Hong-gul ” and “ I haven`t received any unclean money”.

He said, “ when I was investigated by Sajik-dong team (investigation dept. of police station) in September 1998, as I was suspected of receiving huge amount of rebate while arranging foreign investment, Hong-gul spoke to his father (President Kim) `reveal the truth entirely`, I appreciated him, and I was acquitted as a result of the investigation”.

Mr. Choi was an aide of the winner of Presidential election in 1998 after being an aide of international part of the then President Kim Dae Jung of Kookmin party in 1997.

Concerned in civil affairs secretary office Cheong Wa Dae stated, “ Mr. Hong-gul said, Mr. Choi`s insistence is not true and I don`t have relationship with him for receiving financial support”.

Concerned added, “Hong- gul was very displeased on Mr. Choi`s statement about his nature”.

Concerned also stated, “ Mr. Choi thinks that he helped Hong-gul indirectly, however it is not true at all” and “ Hong-gul was neither in position to tell about investigation of Sajikdong team nor did he tell”.

Soo-Hyung Lee sooh@donga.com · Myoung-Gun Lee gun43@donga.com