Free Republic

/begin my translation A Former S. Korean Intelligence Agent Filed for Political Asylum in U.S. (Who Exposed Scandals of Kim Dae-Jung Government) May 19, 2004 By Joo Yong-joong Kim Ki-sam(age:39), the former agent of NIS(S. Korean intelligence agency) who exposed (political) scandals of Kim Dae-jung government via Internet, and his family reportedly filed for a political asylum on 18th (of May, 2004) at the New Jersey Asylum Office of Dept. of Homeland Security. Such a request for the political asylum by a former intelligence agent is quire rare, which is expected to create a diplomatic row between S. Korea and...

June 23, 2003 South Korean President Blocks Extension of Bribe ProbeBy DON KIRK EOUL, South Korea, June 23 — President Roh Moo Hyun refused today to extend the politically explosive investigation into charges that his predecessor, Kim Dae Jung, had bribed North Korea's leader Kim Jong Il to participate in a summit meeting between the two countries in 2000. Though he rejected a special prosecutor's request for a one-month extension of the inquiry, which expires on Wednesday, President Roh left open the possibility of a fresh investigation in the future. "Whatever questions remain must also be investigated so the Korean...

Poll shows strong support for probe of funds to North A new survey by the JoongAng Ilbo shows a strong public preference for a thorough investigation and judicial handling of the cash-for-summit controversy. A poll conducted Wednesday by the newspaper asked 1,045 persons aged 21 or older for their opinions on how to handle charges that a Hyundai Group affiliate sent $200 million to North Korea with Seoul's assistance to induce North Korea to host the 2000 inter-Korean summit meeting. More than 70 percent of the respondents said an independent counsel must be named to investigate the case. Over 28...