Kim Un-yong Files Charge Against Rep. Kim Yong-hak

IOC Vice President Kim Un-yong announced yesterday that he would file a criminal defamation charge against Grand National Party representative Kim Yong-hak, who made an allegation that Kim Un-yong hindered Pyeongchang County`s efforts to host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Kim Un-yong also plans to file a claim with the Congressional Ethics Committee against Yong-hak.

"Kim defamed me by making public a hearsay he picked up somewhere. The allegation has no factual grounds. By making the allegation, he also damaged our national interest," alleged Kim Un-yong at a press conference held yesterday. He does not hide his intention of filing the same charge against other County officials, who accused him of sabotage. Then, Kim also pronounced, "I will give some grace period to Gwangwon Governor Kim Jin-sun. If I file a lawsuit against him now, it may hurt the Province`s efforts to host the 2014 Olympics. I expect him to make an apology to me during the time. Should he fail, I will do whatever I could to regain my reputation."

"According to the statements, it was the Canadian IOC member Dick Pound that accused me of sabotage works to Pyeongchang`s hosting. I will also have him account for his accusation. I will file a claim with the IOC Ethics Committee," threatened Kim Un-yong.

In the meanwhile, the special committee set up to handle the Pyeongchang scandal tried to adopt a recommendation urging Kim to resign. But the Millennium Democrats hindered the process. The Committee will re-convene today to handle the matter.

Jong-Hoon Lee taylor55@donga.com