Assemblyman Kim Un-yong Abuses His Influence

Kim Un-yong, International Olympics Committee (IOC) member and assemblyman in the Millennium Democratic Party was found to have run a lobby to liberate his son, Kim Jung-hoon (American name: John Kim, age 45) through the Korean Ministry of Affairs and Trade, His son is currently being detained in Bulgaria. The Ministry had once planned to dispatch Lee Soo-huk, Adjutant Deputy Minister to Bulgaria.

It was revealed that assemblyman Kim has made an inquiry to the Ministry to obtain a diplomatic passport for his son after the arrest on May 15. A diplomatic passport allows for diplomatic immunity from local jurisdiction.

On July 7, a Ministry official said that “Assemblyman Kim has requested on several occasions for the Ministry to dispatch a senior ranking diplomat to solve his son`s problem. In response the Adjutant Deputy Minister Lee planned to visit Bulgaria but the Bulgarian government avoided any negotiation and the visit was then canceled.” He also added that they “have informed Assemblyman Kim that his request for a diplomatic passport was rejected.”

It was verified that Kim petitioned the government along with several signatures from certain government and opposition party members.

In 2002, his son Kim Jung-hoon was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics scandal. During the process of the investigation, he was found guilty of illegal acquisition of permanent residency and perjury and was prosecuted by the East Brooklyn District Attorney`s Office. On May 15, he was arrested by Interpol for entering Bulgaria.

On July 7, Assemblyman Kim gave a press conference stating his case. “I`ve sent my son to Europe to assist in the Pyong-chang Olympics bid, but he was arrested in regards to an acquisition problem of American residency dated four years ago. I`ve requested government assistance as to his right of citizenship,” Kim said.

Meanwhile, Kim Yong-Hahk, assemblyman in the Grand National Party – Hannara (GNP-H), first accused Kim Un-yong from the beginning with regard to opposing the Pyong-chang Olympics bid. Assemblyman Kim Yong Hak also had a press conference that day. At the conference, Kim showed his criticism to the case. “Assemblyman Kim had already announced his bid for the Deputy Chairman post since last April. His claim of running for the office of Deputy Chairman is a lie.”

As evidence he showed an April 30 German internet newspaper article in “Sport Internet” mentioning Kim Un-yong`s announcement for his bid of the Deputy Chairmanship going to Jacque Reggae, current IOC Chairman.

The National Assembly`s Pyong-chang Winter Olympic Promotion Committee (Chairman, Kim Hak-won, Assemblyman in the United Liberal Democrats (ULD) plans to hold a discussion on July 9 to verify the facts and to discuss contingencies.

Executive secretary of the committee, Assemblyman Hum Seoung-hee said: “If Assemblyman Kim`s statement against the Pyong-chang promotion is found to be true, then he has to resign from his official post.”

Young-Sik Kim Min-Hyuk Park spear@donga.com mhpark@donga.com