[Editorial] Let the Prosecution Do Its Job

For the first time since President Roh Moo-hyun took office, the prosecution will interrogate his personal yet untitled advisors in connection with the Nara Bank scandal. South Koreans are showing considerable interest in the upcoming investigation, as it will serve as a barometer for the future relationship between the prosecution and political inner circles.

The investigative body, in an effort to cater to the new president, initially put the case on hold. Later, President Roh publicly said that "no political consideration should be give to the case.” “Don`t think about me. Just do what you have to do,” he said.

Only then did the prosecution resume their investigation, which had been put on hold for over a month. In some respects, it is understandable that the DA`s office tread a fine line. The people involved in the bribery scandal are powerful men belonging to the inner circle of the Blue House. The prosecution therefore may need much more evidence to impart blame on anyone. Showing too much "prudence" however, may cause South Koreans to suspect that the DA`s office is attempting to exonerate them due to their close ties with the President.

The Blue House is understandably feeling the pressure from this investigation. The two big contributors to President Roh`s election campaign are now targets of an internal investigation. However, on a positive note, the case may be able to offer a good lesson to people close to the President as well as Blue House staff members. If wrongful conduct is discovered and inner circle members are brought to justice, people close to the President may not be tempted to repeat the same mistakes that plagued previous administrations.

The Blue House announced that it would not interfere in the investigation. But, it would be better for the president not to be briefed. In the United States, the FBI reports to the president the status of any important investigation. When the case involves the president or a White House staff member, however, the investigative body does not tell the president anything.

In the U.S., the president appoints his attorney general. Therefore, if the attorney general has to report to the president the status of an ongoing investigation involving the White House or a person close to him, it would be almost impossible to expect a fair handling of the case.

The prosecution should not forget the numerous bribery scandals that plagued the Kim Dae-jung administration and the aftermath brought about by unfair investigations. If all doubt concerning the Nara Bank scandal is not eliminated, those demons will haunt the administration, as well as the prosecution for a long time to come.

By Hwang Ho-tack, commentator