[Editorial] Persuasion of The Blue House for `False Exposure`

The Blue House allegedly persuaded Yoo Jin-Gul who is undergoing the prosecution`s probe in relation to money dealing with President Kim`s second son Hong-Up to `expose that the prosecution used coercive measures against him.` The side of Yoo is allegedly keeping an audiotape recording the persuasion of the Blue House. In contrast to that, the defense lawyer of Yoo claimed there was a coercive investigation against Yoo. The whole issue is expected to raise the dispute among the concerned parties.

However, what we are particularly watching closely is whether the Blue House, a powerhouse among the powerful, might be trying to wield influence on the prosecution. Even though the Blue House excuses that it sent an administrative officer Park Jong-Yi to confirm the fact about the alleged coercive investigation to Mr. Yoo, the activity of the Blue House suggests an active persuasion for `exposure of coercive investigation.` If the Blue House persuaded the witness, it will not make any sense. Even if the coercive investigation took place, that is matter to be taken up by the defense lawyer, not a position the Blue House is eager to take.

President Kim said whenever he has a chance to speak about the issues of the president`s sons, `I will follow the decisions of the judiciary and watch the investigation of the prosecution.` The action of the Blue House in this occasion, therefore, is the opposite direction from the pledge of President Kim. The suspicion that the Blue House tried to exert pressure intentionally cannot be erased.

Several days ago, presidential candidate Roh Moo-Hyun and chairman Han Hwa-Kap of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) stated in a way that the prosecution is cornering MDP unilaterally, which caused some dispute. Now is the time when the power holding side do even a little bit of `actions and statements touching the prosecution,` the intentions thereof should be suspicious enough even though how much the involved persons deny the charges.

The concerned recorded tape that contains the persuasion of the Blue House for false testimony to Mr. Yoo should be publicly exposed as soon as possible. Depending on the contents of the tape, the strict legal measures should be taken against the related persons. The maneuvering of the power holders to shake up the prosecution should be blocked whatever form it may have. That is the only way to ensure the neutrality of the prosecution and to recover the confidence of the people on the investigation of the prosecution.