Posted April. 28, 2003 21:51,
A court hearing was held yesterday to enforce the previous confiscation order against former President Chun Doo-hwan. The Civil Division 26 of Seoul District Court`s Western Branch presided the hearing.
Unfortunately, the hearing revealed how immoral and irresponsible Chun is, a person that is one of the handful of South Koreans retaining a high social position and commanding high respect. Chun`s behavior was shocking.
Originally, the court ordered former President Chun forfeit his asset amounting to 220.4 billion won (or approximately $ 180 million) in April, 1997. But the prosecution could not confiscate more than 31.4 billion. Thus, the DA`s office filed a motion last February with the court to force him to produce documents about his financial status.
Escorted by his security detail, former President Roh entered the courtroom with his defense counsel Lee Yang-woo at around 11:24 yesterday.
Wearing green suit and brown tie, Chun got showered in photoflash popped by the reporters waiting for him. But he did not make any comment, showing no emotions on his face.
The hearing was focused on the genuineness of the asset list submitted by Chun, and a fierce debate ensued between the judge and Chun.
Going over the submitted list, Judge Chin grilled Chun. He asked, "Your list says you have no account of your own and all you have is 291,000 won in cash. If it is true, how can you travel abroad and enjoy the luxury sport of golf?"
Then, Chun replied, "The golf association did not charge me any money for rounding out of respect for a former President. I am 72, now. I have built up lots of relationships so far. They and my grown-up children are helping me out." When answering, he maintained his straight-up statue and articulated his statement. Just like Chun of pride in old days.
▽ Judge Shin = "Didn`t they give you any money for paying back the confiscation?" The judge`s voice was still calm, but, to some, he sounded like scolding.
▽ Chun = "Their contributions are just enough for my living. Actually, I received all the money confiscated as legal political donations, while in office. I am the victim here."—all in an unhesitating voice.
▽ Judge Shin = "You have cooperated with confiscation. Isn`t it the recognition of your responsibility for the wrongdoing? An ordinary citizen would have paid it even by means of obtaining a loan." Upon this question, Chun did not say any word, and make no facial emotion.
In the process, Chun`s attorney Lee, in loud voice, expressed his strong objection to the procedure. He appealed, "Your honor, on what grounds, this court finds the submitted list insufficient? This hearing is for reviewing the list. It`s not for finding facts about the items on the list."
But the judge asked, "The prosecution estimated that your asset would be 215.7 billion. OK, you have used up some of it. Nonetheless, you should have had 160 billion of it. Where did the money go?" In response, Chun stated, "The prosecution will tell the court. I have used it up." The debate between Judge Shin and Chun made the courtroom tensed.
Then, Judge Shin said, "Mr. Chun, we previously discovered your accounts opened in others` names, and assets titled under others` names. Only 15% of the money to be confiscated has been collected. And the 160 billion won is not accountable. Now, it is hard for this court to believe you have no asset at all as you submitted."
Closing the hearing, Judge Shin said, "It is highly probable that Chun has stashed away his assets. Thus, this court orders you to produce by 26th of next month all the financial documents of your spouse, children and siblings."
Only some twenty people were on hand. All the audience would not leave the courtroom even after the hearing.