[Editorial] Hong and Prosecution Must not Ignore Accusations

When former JoongAng Ilbo president Hong Seok Hyun returned to Korea a few days ago he told reporters waiting at the airport that he hoped that suspicions about eavesdropping by the Agency for National Security Planning and the "X File" case would be "resolved so that our society can overcome its past and advance to becoming a mature democratic society" and that his return would contribute to that. It is hard to tell what exactly he meant by a "resolution," but, just as he says, this case will clearly be a very important stop in having our society overcome issues of the past and become a mature democratic society. It is essential that the case is thoroughly investigated and that there is strict punishment in accordance with the law, in order to forever expel the dark shadows of collusion between government, business, and the media from the country.

The general view, however, is that given circumstances so far it is not very likely that Hong will readily admit to all he is suspected of. Others implicated in the case are already trying to coordinate their stories in order to save him. Two-time Grand National Party presidential candidate Lee Hoi Chang's younger brother Lee Hoi Seong has gone so far as to change what he initially said in testimony in the "Sepung" case since he now says he got a smaller amount of money from Samsung, and that smells like he is trying to help Hong avoid his charges based on the statute of limitations. When he talks about having the case "resolved," it looks much more like he is struggling to avoid criminal prosecution than engaging in honest self-reflection and truthful confession.

Hong is someone who ranks at the top of those who style themselves as our society's so-called "leadership class." That being the case it is his rightful duty and obligation to cooperate in an upright and frank manner with the prosecution's investigation, as appropriate for his social position and responsibilities. The prosecution, in turn, should not even dream of trying to conclude the case prematurely at a convenient point along the way or to attempt to score a deal with Hong.

The Hankyoreh, 15 November 2005.

[Translations by Seoul Selection]