President Files Criminal Complaint Against Candidate Lee’s Spokespersons

The heated political wars concerning the credentials of leading presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak have spilled into legal battles engulfing Cheong Wa Dae, the Grand National Party (“GNP”) and Lee himself.

Yesterday, Cheong Wa Dae filed criminal complaints with the Seoul Central Prosecutors’ Office against two GNP representatives, Park Hyeong-jun and Jin Su-hee, on defamation charges. Speaking for candidate Lee, the two lawmakers criticized the presidential office, arguing, “We hear numerous allegations about candidate Lee. It’s the result of a covert operation by the Roh administration.”

Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Cheon argued, “The two lawmakers intentionally distributed false claims against the president. Their allegations defamed the president and hindered his official conduct.”

In the meanwhile, former Seoul Mayor and GNP-leading candidate Lee is reportedly considering filing a counterclaim. “Roh’s inner circle has rolled up its sleeves,” criticized Lee’s spokesperson Rep. Park. “President Roh himself directed it. His loyal lieutenants like Lee Hae-chan, Park Yeong-seon, and Song Yeong-gil are now acting in a sequel to the 2002 adventure: ‘Happy Covert Political Conspiracy.’”

On the other hand, the GNP plans to file a claim as early as Friday against President Roh with the National Election Commission or the prosecution for his breach of the mandatory political neutrality statute, which is imposed by the election law on the incumbent president. Roh previously announced that he would support the candidate chosen by the Uri Party. It is also reportedly considering pressing a criminal charge against Uri lawmakers Kim Hyeok-gyu and Jang Yeong-dal. Kim had previously publicized an allegation about Lee’s real estate speculation, and Jang publicly indicated that he would disclose information devastating to Lee and the other GNP candidate, Park Geun-hye.

taylor55@donga.com jyw11@donga.com