Investigation into Memo Written by Kim Gyeong-jun

The special investigation team at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ office (with senior prosecutor Choi Jae-gyeong as its leader) summonsed indicted 41-year-old Kim Gyeong-jun and commenced their investigation into whether the prosecution proposed a reduction of Kim’s prison term to three years in return for his favorable testimony to Grand National Party candidate Lee Myung-bak, as the disclosed memo reads.

The prosecution focused on questioning Kim with regard to whether he had been offered such a deal by prosecutors and whether he handed the memo to his mother and mother-in-law.

Additionally, the prosecution decided to summon his mother and mother-in-law, who had visited him while he was being questioned, as well as investigate whether the memo was given to them.

The prosecution has secured additional evidence that Kim had fabricated other contracts and documents besides the U.S. passport and documents in Nevada and is expanding its investigation.

In particular, the prosecution embarked on the process of extraditing Erica Kim from the U.S. to Korea, after she was put on the wanted criminal list for her involvement in the embezzlement of 31.9 billion won in funds of Optional Ventures Korea.

Lawyer Oh Jae-won, defending Kim Gyeong-jun, held a press conference Thursday in his office in Seocho-gu, saying, “Kim is still denying any charges; arguing that presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak knew about the stock dealings of BBK and was also aware of the consequences.”

However, on the question of whether the prosecution conciliated Kim, lawyer Oh declined to answer and just responded, “It’s hard to say.”

Meanwhile, Kim, who has been indicted Wednesday for funds embezzlement and violating trade rules, will be brought to trial at 10 a.m. on December 24, just days after the presidential election.

Judge Lee Dong-geun at the Seoul Central District Court said, “The case has been allocated to the court responsible for economic-violation-related cases. The court came to a consensus that it is necessary to settle the case as fast as possible.

In the meantime, Erica Kim, who was expected to hold a press conference to refute the prosecution probe results in Los Angeles at 11 a.m. on December 5 (local time), abruptly cancelled the conference. Kim has turned off her cell phone and is avoiding answering any calls from reporters.

needjung@donga.com wing@donga.com