[Editorial] Swift Disclosure of Kim Dae-up Tape

The Grand National Party (GNP) contended yesterday that Chun Yong-taek, a Millennium Democratic Party’s congressman, was behind Kim Dae-up’s allegations of military evasion. The GNP cited as evidence the Report on Military Scandal, which was prepared by Rep. Chun. The report was mainly for ‘ushering in investigation by the Prosecution through luring the GNP into filing criminal complaints against the media companies that had reported the allegations, and preparing for a press conference for Kim Dae-up’s disclosure.’

It is hard to deny that the report was for some scheme, considering the content and the development of the incident despite Chun’s assertion that Kim has acted alone, and Chun’s past plan to appoint Kim his special aid.

And the purpose of the scheme seems undoubtedly targeted at the upcoming presidential election. In other words, by raising the military scandal, he intended to give another blow to candidate Lee Hoi-chang. Accordingly, the GNP has responded desperately. But the important thing being overlooked is that the longer the battle between two parties lasts, the severer the damage to the public since important national matters are not given enough attention.

The only way to resolve is to make the truth come out. In that respect, the tape retained by Kim should be disclosed in the nearest future. Once the Prosecutors’ Office requested, Kim should submit it immediately. If he keeps refusing the request with various excuses, the public will get to suspect more that his allegation was really a work of political manipulation.

We request once again. The GNP and MDP should refrain from their war of accusations, at least until the prosecution is over. Especially, it is the MDP that should not bloat unconfirmed facts into scandals. If it believes popping up scandals gets some advantage at all, it neglects the possibility that “good materials” for them may backfire on them. Many citizens are sick and tired of all the accusations regarding the military scandal. Now it is the prosecutors’ duty to dig out the truth. The Prosecutors’ Office should seal this matter with a swift and thorough prosecution.