[Editorial] Chun Doo-hwan’s Claims Still Stale

At a court hearing held to verify the assets of former President Chun Doo-hwan, he argued that all he had was $250. He then alleged, "My friends and family members chip in for my living expenses." Listening and watching him, we feel that he was insulting the court and all South Koreans.

Chun was "famous" for his taste for maintaining a luxurious lifestyle. But his wealth as submitted to the court qualifies him for social welfare benefits. In reality, however, he frequently travels in and out of Korea accompanied by his retinue, and plays golf, a sport that costs quite a lot of money in South Korea. It is obvious that he hasn’t learned any lessons from his past wrongdoings. Any ordinary South Korean citizen could not even dream of leading a life Chun currently enjoys. Even after all these years, he is cheating us once again.

When asked by the presiding judge whether his friends and family members give him money to pay fines, he replied, "Their help is only for making ends meet." Was he really that honest of a president, not accepting any bribes whatsoever that he has to live such a miserable life now? It is well known that he extorted trillions of dollars from conglomerates and gave generous gifts to his cronies. Where-oh-where has all the money gone?

Chun seems to have no remorse or regret for what he did and is currently doing. His shameless behavior must have come from a lack of opportunity on his part to reflect on what he actually did during his presidency. He hid out at a temple and was put behind bars for some time for his actions as our head of state. Obviously this was not enough to expiate himself from all the human rights violations, bribes and violations of law he committed during his "regime." People, who were persecuted right after he seized power, have since made him a symbol of exoneration for all the errors of the past. Numerous people lost their lives. They would never forgive Chun now though, for his current shameless behavior before the courts.

Since Chun was convicted of a military coup and bribery, he could not receive any benefits including the pension a former president is entitled. The authorities should confiscate whatever money he has stashed away in others` names, money that was used to torture South Koreans, and give it back to the current government.

We are ashamed to have had such a shameless president as Chun Doo-hwan.