Investigation into Contributions of Airplanes and Funds to Japanese Imperialism

The Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs said on August 3 that the ministry will give a legislation notice for “the enforcement decree of the pro-Japanese anti-national action examination special law,” which was promulgated in March and is scheduled to be executed on September 23, through its official gazette and the internet on August 4.

The enforcement decree defines money and other valuables amounting to 100,000 won (the then-currency value basis, whose current value is around one billion won) or airplanes as the basic criteria that the pro-Japanese anti-national action falls under.

The enforcement decree allows the pro-Japanese anti-national examination committee to have sections of administration, general research, research one, and research two under its business office, and to enlist the aid of research fellows and other sources of assistant manpower within its budget limit if necessary. Also, for smooth operations, the committee can enlist the help of a leader and a supporting group consisting of city and county officials in cities and provinces.

Regarding the research method, within 10 days after a person being investigated is selected, the committee should give notice of selection information to the relevant parties, such as a person being investigated, a spouse, lineal relatives, and other interested parties. The committee can record or tele-record statements and scenes when it is investigating people and questioning witnesses. Also, the enforcement decree allows the committee to give compensation to those who provide decisive information or submit related evidence and data needed for examining pro-Japanese anti-national actions. The committee is not allowed to disclose personal information about witnesses or those giving testimony to the public. In addition, those who provide decisive information or submit related evidence and data can request personal safeguards if they feel personal danger regarding their submissions of information and evidence.

However, the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs has a policy that it can change the enforcement decree draft in case the pro-Japanese anti-national examination law is amended in the National Assembly.

The ministry official said that they will decide the starting time of the committee by carefully considering public opinion and the National Assembly law amendment situation while they prepare for committee activation based on the law which was promulgated in March.

Hyun-Doo Lee ruchi@donga.com