President Met Press

President Kim Dae-jung expressed his position on current matters of concerns including corruption scandals involving his sons in a press conference held on the 15th. But his views on such issues were far different from expectations of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) as well as the Grand National Party (GNP), triggering a question over the president`s understanding of the current situation.

President Kim made an apology over his sons` implication in a series of corruption scandals and said that he would reform the Peace Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Region and work out institutions to prevent corruption involving family members and relatives of the president.

Also he emphasized that he would concentrate only on the state affairs for the rest of his tenure.

But President Kim turned a blind eye to the demand from the political sector that he dissolve the private think tank.

Regarding his first son, Hong-il, an MDP lawmaker, who is under pressure to quit the party, President Kim expressed reservation, saying that it would be Hong-il’s decision.

President Kim said, "I will reorganize the Peace Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Region, whose helm will be taken by figures who are socially renowned and politically unbiased. I will not meddle in the management of the foundation."

President Kim made an apology and said that he has never been more distressed than now. But regarding the fact that his second son took money from former and incumbent heads of the National Intelligence Service, he only said, "I heard that they gave him their private money. But I feel sorry and ashamed that my child took the money even though the money was privately owned."

President Kim went on to say, "I have never received any prior notice, and no one is held accountable. So I am considering tightening legal devices aimed at ensuring no repeat of such an unhappy episode."

Concerning the appointment of Prime Minister Chang Sang, he said, "It is regrettable to see controversy over the appointment mounting. I think she will be confirmed without much difficulty."

Asked if he is willing to meet with leadership and presidential candidates of political parties, President Kim said, "I am willing to meet with them whenever the condition turns for the better. But I give it a serious thought since it is politically sensitive time."

Nam Kyung-pil, GNP spokesman commented on the press conference, saying, "It is desirable that the President made a apology for his sons` wrongdoing and said they should be punished in accordance with the law. But it is disappointing that the President did not got down on his knees to apologize to the public. If he really is ashamed, he should accept an independent council system, parliamentary investigation and TV hearings."

On the other hand, Lee Nak-yeon, MDP spokesman said, "Mindful of the public opinion, the president has struggled to explore ways to bring changes. His eldest Rep. Kim Hong-il should decide his future course of action. Also I think that his remarks on his private think tank reflected the public option."

Chol-Hi Lee klimt@donga.com