Prosecutors’ Office Starts Probe into Draft Evasion Scandal

The Grand National Party (GNP) started an all-out war against the allegations made public at a press conference held by Kim Dae-up who served a medical officer of the army. Through his allegations, which the GNP defined as a systematic political conspiracy, Kim argued that GNP’s presidential candidate Lee Hui-chang’s sons evaded the duty to serve in the army.

In response, the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) criticized the GNP members’ visit in protest to the Public Prosecutors’ Office (August 1st) and defined it as an act of shaking national foundations. It also held a meeting of its members and congressmen to criticize the GNP. The MDP’s strong response deepens the partisanship and confrontation between the two parties.

Kang Jae-sup, who heads the GNP’s committee investigating political allegations, requested for penalties for the people involved in the alleged political conspiracy and an apology by the government. He said, “Kim Dae-up’s 31st conference was manipulated by the figure behind Kim in order to cover up the debacles and corruption charges of the government.”

Kang also called for Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office’s reassignment of the criminal cases to a more fair-minded division, the cases where Kim and the GNP filed criminal charges against each other.

He also warned, “If our demand is not met, we may move for impeachment and ousting of President Kim for his responsibilities for failure in governance and corruption within his administration.”

MDP’s chairman Han Hwa-kap attended a protest criticizing the GNP held at his party’s headquarters in Yeouido and argued, “The GNP’s threatening the Prosecution is worse than a military coup. We have other people than Kim Dae-up who can testify as to Lee’s sons’ evasion.”

The MDP also decided, in a meeting of party officials, to wage a campaign informing the public of the GNP’s alleged immorality and hold a seminar in each election district.

Chong Kyun-hwan, MDP’s Floor Whip, visited House of Speaker Park Kwan-yong and requested for the resignation of Ham Suk-jae, the chairman of the congressional committee in charge of affairs involving Ministry of Justice. He also warned that his party members would not participate in the committee activities unless Ham resigns.”

Sung-Won Park Yong-Gwan Jung swpark@donga.com yongari@donga.com