GNP Instigates Counter-MDP Draft-Dodging Scandal

The Grand National Party March 21 released a list of suspected draft-dodgers. The list includes eight suspected Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) lawmakers and seven MDP candidates for the general election in April or their sons. The GNP also requested investigation and clarification of the joint prosecution-military investigation team which has launched a probe into draft-dodging which largely targets opposition party politicians' sons.

The list was compiled from information on the MDP from the Anti-Corruption Network in Korea and other media reports. Lee Won-chang, spokesman for the general election committee, insisted, "About 30 of the suspected draft-dodgers are the sons of ruling party lawmakers and election candidates, including 'J' of the MDP." He continued, "an investigation should be launched by prosecutors along with a clear explanation of the actions taken by suspects."

Lee added, "J's first son insisted that he was exempt from military service due to a lifelong eyesight defect. However, his son was in fact discharged from service - after having been accepted - due to weak vision. His third son was exempted from service due to obesity, as he weighed 130kg. But he now weighs only about 80kg, a normal weight."

by Lee Sang-il