Arrest Warrant of Kwon Roh-Kap Issued

Kwon Roh-Kap asserted at his warrant review by the court on 3rd that Kim Eun-Sung, former vice director of NIS, made a perjury because of his personal hostility and made inappropriate reports concerning himself, Kim Hong-Gul, and Choi Kyu-Sun to Cheong Wa Dae.

Mr. Kwon said, “I think Mr. Kim E.S. made false testimonies that I had received money from Mr. Jin Seung-Hyun, CEO of MCI Korea, because of his personal hostility against me.”

He testified that “when Mr. Kim E.S. visited me in July 2000, I told him, “I know that you have reported to Cheong Wa Dae about me. Report only what is accurate and verified.” I also told him to make a report about Hong-Gul and Choi Kyu-Sun after verifying the fact.”

Previously, the Special Bureau of the Seoul District Prosecution requested for an arrest warrant of Mr. Kwon Roh-Kap for the charge of receiving 50 million won for a solicitation to cover up the investigation on the affiliate companies to Mr. Jin by Financial Supervisory Service.

The Prosecution, however, announced that it is not certain whether Mr. Choi Taek-Kon, who took the money to deliver to Mr. Kwon, did deliver 50 million won to Mr. Kwon, since his testimony is not consistent.

In addition, the Public Security Bureau of the Seoul District Prosecution is investigating on an accountant for Rep. Kim Keun-Tae, who publicly revealed his receiving 20 million won for the primary election from Mr. Kwon in August 2000 and has completed the investigation on the related persons of the Election Commission.

The Prosecution is planning to investigate on Rep. Kwon to reveal the circumstances and the purpose of the money.

The Prosecution is also planning to trace the accounts of the Kwon`s family including the accounts of the restaurant that his wife owns.

Myoung-Gun Lee gun43@donga.com · Jung-Eun Lee lightee@donga.com