[Editorial]Mounting Suspicions Over Forces Protecting Nightclub Owner Lee

The `Hidden Camera Scandal` involving former presidential aide Yang Gil-seung took a new twist as the defense counsel of Kim Do-hun , who had been arrested for masterminding the secret videotaping of Yang`s notorious night of revelry, said yesterday he has kept “a diary and notes” to prove his claim that there are forces within the prosecution protecting nightclub owner Lee Won-ho, who extravagantly entertained Yang in June at his establishment.

It is difficult to jump to the conclusion that there are forces within the prosecution protecting the nightclub owner, which contradicts the prosecution`s claim, because details of the diary and notes have not been disclosed. It is safe to say that arrested prosecutor Kim`s claim lost its credibility because it was found that he was involved in making the videotape and taking bribes from local businessmen.

Kim`s defense counsel claimed that his notes and diary include contents that go against the results of the prosecution`s internal investigation. The counsel also raised new allegations advocating Kim`s claim that he had been blocked by his superior officers when he prepared to arrest Lee and another superintendent even spouted curses at Kim for almost an hour. Although it is difficult to take former prosecutor Kim`s claim at face value because he mentioned the existence of the notes and a diary after his arrest, it is worth launching an investigation into the allegation in order to clear up all suspicions over the scandal.

It is certain that former prosecutor Kim made a mistake by masterminding the secret videotaping of presidential aide Yang without a warrant and had a dubious relationship with a key suspect of the scandal. However, if it is true that there was an attempt within the prosecution to halt Kim`s investigation into Lee`s alleged wrongdoings by exercising influence, the prosecution should unveil all the truths behind the allegation.

The Justice Ministry is trying to transfer the authority of overseeing the prosecution from an internal inspection department to the ministry to check the law-enforcement agency. This secret videotaping scandal will serve as a critical touchstone to make a decision on whether the prosecution will maintain the right to carry out internal inspections. Furthermore, Kim`s defense counsel claimed that the prosecution`s investigation was a complete setup, and demanded his reputation be restored. Against this backdrop, it is desirable for the prosecution to launch a thorough investigation to clear up all suspicions surrounding the prosecution`s inner circle. If necessary, it would be wise to invite a third party investigator to carry out a fair and transparent probe into the allegation.