Probe Launched into Government Purchases from Sungkok Gallery

The Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office is investigating the so-called “Shin Jeong-ah scandal”--an influence peddling case involving a fake professor in art at Dongguk University--and Byeon Yang-gyun, a former chief presidential secretary.

Prosecutors are focusing on whether Byeon and Shin were engaged in Cheong Wa Dae and government agency purchases of art works.

The office confirmed from the Minister of Planning and Budget (MPB) where Byeon had worked as minister and deputy minister that paintings were bought through Shin. Other government agencies’ documents regarding art purchases are under investigation.

Prosecutors have summoned public servants from concerned agencies to identify whether those paintings were bought at higher prices or were unnecessary. Also, investigations into the presidential house’s art purchases are underway.

If the purchasing prices turn out to be too high, Shin could be accused of fraud.

While Byeon was the head of the MBP, many companies were confirmed to have provided huge donations for the Sungkok Art Museum where Shin worked at. Officials from the gallery were summoned and questioned about possible favors involved.

Prosecutor Gu Bon-min at the investigation team said, “Companies being probed for donating money to the gallery are not much different from those that are already known to the media. Their testimonies are not always right, requiring further investigation.”

Byeon could be subject to bribery charges if he is confirmed to have put pressure on companies to support the art gallery.

Prosecutors asked for Presidential Secretary Office for Civil Affairs’ inspection data on former secretary Byeon and consulted with Cheong Wa Dae to secure his computer. The presidential office said, “We will cooperate.”

Investigators are expected to issue a warrant for a search of the e-mail accounts of Byeon, Hong Ki-sam, the former president of Dongguk University, and Han Kab-su, the former director of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation.

In the meantime, inspectors are collaborating with U.S. authorities to pinpoint where Shin is and trying to contact Shin through many channels.

Shin’s mobile phone records are more compelling evidence for identifying who is behind the case as she used them only for personal reasons. Investigators are striving to find out her phone numbers and call records.

pen@donga.com will71@donga.com