PM Wants Scandal Investigation Records

Prosecutors have confirmed that prime minister appointee Han Myeong-sook has asked for records related to the Unification and Revolution Party scandal investigation that her husband Park Seong-jun, a professor at Sungkonghoe University, was involved in.

An official at the Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office said, “At the end of last month, Han’s office sent the Seoul Central District Public Prosecutor`s Office an official note requesting records of the Unification and Revolution Party scandal investigation.”

Han may have requested the investigation records to prepare for questions that might arise during her National Assembly confirmation hearing.

President Roh Moo-hyun sent an appointment agreement proposal on Han Myeong-sook to National Assembly Speaker Kim Won-ki on March 31, and the National Assembly will start the confirmation process this week after forming a special confirmation committee.

Representative Park Geun-hye of the Grand National Party said recently, “Because appointee Han said that she was significantly influenced by her husband, she has an obligation to make her ideological orientation clear.”

The Unification and Revolution Party scandal-

On August 24, 1968, the Korea Central Intelligence Agency (predecessor of the National Intelligence Service) announced that the party was taking orders from the Korean Workers` Party of North Korea. Among 158 individuals arrested back then, 73 were handed over to the prosecution (23 without physical restraint) and four masterminds, including Kim Jong-tae were executed.

According to an announcement made by the Korea Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) at the time, Professor Park praised and studied North Korea’s economic system and led the “Economy and Welfare Society” composed of Christian students at universities including the Seoul National University. According to the KCIA, he persuaded prime minister appointee Han to join the “Economy and Welfare Society.”

Park was arrested, sentenced to 15 years in jail, and spent 13 years in jail before he was issued a Christmas pardon in 1981. At that time, Han, who was vice president of the “Economy and Welfare Society,” was also arrested, but released thanks to appeals from Christians, including Reverend Kang Won-yong.

The other day, Professor Park told Dong-A Ilbo, “I neither joined the Unification and Revolution Party, nor was won over by the party.”

jin0619@donga.com