GNP Lawmaker Questions Hong-gul’s Involvement in F-15 Decision

Committee meetings were convened at the National Assembly on July 22 to review government policies on national politics, reunification, diplomacy and national security, where the ruling Millennium Democratic Party and the opposition Grand National Party engaged in a war of words yet again.

At the center of contention were such issues as corruption scandals involving President Kim’s sons, allegations against GNP’s presidential hopeful Lee Hoi-chang, the West Sea naval clash and the government’s sunshine policy.

“A special prosecution team and a hearing must be launched to investigate corruptions involving first family and presidential associates for the sake of the nation and the people,” demanded GNP lawmaker Kim Yong-gyun.

“Those under suspicion, presidential aides, government authorities and the President, must take a stand at a hearing with no exception,” he continued.

MDP lawmaker Chun Jung-bae called for a thorough investigation into five allegations against GNP presidential candidate Lee Hoi-chang. Lee has been under fire for using the national intelligence agency’s budget for his political campaign; his two sons’ exemption from military service; living in a luxurious upscale mansion; his daughter’s flying to the U.S. to give birth; and receiving $200,000 from Choi Kyu-sun.

“People believe Kim government’s sunshine policy is well past a restructuring stage and is on the brink of bankruptcy, ” said GNP assemblyman Park Se-hwan. “The end goal must free people from the fear of a war which plagued the nation for the last 50 years,” rebutted Chun Yong-taek from MDP.

“Suspicion has been raised that former MDP top policymaker Kwon No-gap and lobbyist Choi Kyu-sun who is now in jail were behind the Defense Ministry’s controversial decision to select U.S. General Electric’s engine for the next-generation fighter project,” argued GNP lawmaker Mang Hyung-gyu.

“Choi Kyu-sun founded a arms deal agency UI Enterprise and made a consultancy contract with GE, whose Vice CEO later met Choi and the President’s third son Kim Hong-gul before the selection,” he added.

Meantime, MDP lawmaker Lee In-je proposed that the National Assembly establish a special committee for constitutional amendment. “Amendment of the constitution will change the current power structure,” he emphasized.

“We have so far found no evidence of foul play in regard to the F-15 lobbying allegation,” testified Defense Minister Lee Joon.

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