More Summoned in Connection with Wire Transfer Scandal

Independent Counsel Song Doo-hwan, currently investigating Kim Dae Jung`s checkbook diplomacy scandal, announced yesterday that he would summon former Financial Supervisory Service head Lee Geun-young. Lee was head of Korea Industrial Bank in June 2000, when the secret wire transfer to the North was suspected to have taken place.

Lee became a target of the investigation when former Industrial Bank head Um Nak-yong revealed last October before the National Assembly that Lee allegedly said that the previous Presidential Chief of Staff Han Kwang-ok ordered the money transfer to Kim Jong-Il.

The Independent Counsel Office has plans to subpoena former Hyundai Merchant Marine president Kim Choong-sik and former Industrial Bank vice president Park Sang-bae today, and question them in their role in the scandal. There is also a strong possibility that Um may be called in again for questioning.

Regarding former Chief of Staff Han (now in jail), Independent Counsel Song said that "he may be summoned after Lee`s interrogation is complete," indicating that Han is likely to report to the Independent Counsel Office some time this week.

Hyundai Asan chairman Chung Mong-hun asked for an extension with the office. He was originally scheduled to report to the office for questioning in the morning of May 19. Upon the request, the office decided to adjust the schedule.

One source familiar with the case confirmed that "Chairman Chung requested a one-week extension. We will not summon him during that period."

"We are trying to wrap up the investigation by the end of the first investigation period, which is 70 days," the source also said, indicating the Independent Counsel`s investigation has made significant progress.

leon@donga.com jarrett@donga.com