Kang Denies Fund Charges
The vice president of the opposition Grand National Party, Kang Sam-jae, one of the two key figures indicted in the prosecution's investigation into 119.2 billion won of spy agency slush funds, spoke up on Friday."As the person who managed the day- to-day affairs for the New Korea Party in the 1996 general elections, I know how much individual politicians received regardless of their current party affiliation," he said.
Mr. Kang, indicted without physical detention on Monday, is staying in his electoral district of Masan, South Kyongsang province.
He denies both receiving slush funds from the intelligence agency and contacting the agency's former money manager, Kim Ki-sup. Prosecutors have indicted and detained Mr. Kim.
"I have never met nor worked with Mr. Kim," Mr. Kang said Friday, "and I have proof that the prosecution coerced Mr. Kim during its investigation."
On Monday, prosecutors filed a damage suit against the opposition party, demanding the return of 94 billion won ($73 million) received from the central intelligence agency during the 1996 general elections.
Mr. Kang called the move a "measure intended to deal a political blow against the opposition."
by Seo Seung-wook
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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