MDP Accuses GNP for Supporting Fugitive in Loan Scandal

The on-going Hanvit Bank loan scandal showed a sign of spilling over to the political realm today as the ruling Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) blamed the opposition Grand National Party (GNP) for helping the former Korea Credit Guarantee Fund employee, Lee Un-young, hide from the police. Lee's claim that former Culture and Tourism Minister Park Jie-won pressured him to provide illegal loans forced Park to resign on Wednesday.

The MDP based its allegation on GNP lawmaker Um Ho-sung's comment on Wednesday that he has been in frequent contact with Lee's lawyer. Um reportedly made the comment while under the influence of alcohol. The MDP plans to request the prosecutors office to investigate Um's activities.

Meanwhile, the GNP flatly rejected the charge that it was involved in the loan scandal in any way and vowed to continue its protest rallies as well as its demand for a special prosecutor for the scandal.

Experts say the moves by the two parties are a struggle to gain an upperhand in the National Assembly session likely to re-open next week.

by Lee Sang-il