National Assembly Approves Special Probe on Samsung

South Korea`s National Assembly passed the bill seeking an independent counsel to investigate the Samsung slush fund scandal Tuesday.

The government held a cabinet meeting chaired by President Roh Moo-hyun and decided to empower independent counsel to probe the allegation.

The independent counsel wand to see whether the big Korean conglomerate created slush fund, whether it lobbied government officials, and whether Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee ever tried to illegally transfer his wealth to his son. It will also investigate the allegation that President Roh accepted "congratulatory money" from Samsung.

Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Cheon Ho-seon said the independent counsel bill will take effect around December 10.

The independent counsel is likely to launch an investigation early next year after the presidential election takes place, considering the days of preparation for the special investigation.

jin0619@donga.com