Doubts over Credentials of Two Independent Counsel Candidates

The Korean Bar Association recommended to President Roh Moo-hyun two attorneys, or Woo Chung-kwon and Song Doo-hwan as candidates for the independent counsel to be appointed. Once appointed, the counsel will look into the Kim Dae Jung`s checkbook diplomacy scandal that a huge amount of money was given to North Korea in return for the North-South summit.

Pursuant to the newly enacted Independent Counsel Act, President Roh should have either of them take office.

A conflict of interest issue is being raised over the credentials of both of the candidates, however. They served, at the time the suspected wiring took place, as independent supervisory director of a Hyundai affiliate and its creditor bank.

In particular, Woo served as a supervisory director of Hyundai Securities from January 15, 2000 to June 2, 2001, while Song was a director of Foreign Exchange Bank for about three years from February of 1999, one of the main creditors of the Hyundai Marine Merchant that was at the center of the scandal.

Along with other directors, Song received 45,000 shares of the bank as stock option in 2001, and still reportedly retains a third of them.

Woo, born in Ahndong City, started his legal career as a Seoul District attorney in 1977, and began to serve on the bench from 1980. Then, in 1985, he opened his law office. He also worked as a director of Hyundai Securities in 2000, and served as vice chairman of the Seoul Bar Association from 2001 to 2002.

Born in Youngdong, North Choongchung Province, Song began his career as a judge. Then in 1990, he began his private practice. For four years from 1998, he led as leadership member the Lawyers for Democratic Society. During the time, he worked for Foreign Exchange Bank as a director in 1999.

After taking office, the independent counsel is to make preliminary preparations for twenty days, which include arrangement of office and relevant supply, and appointment of associate independent counsel. Thus, the investigation is to start in earnest by the middle of the next month.

Jin-Kyun Kil leon@donga.com