Hidden Treasure In Assembly Desk Handed Over to Former Member

Rep. Kim Hong-shin of the Grand National Party said Monday that he found by accident a number of government and public bonds, promissory notes, subway bonds, apartment lease agreements, commissary notes and bank statements.

The trove was found in the empty space behind one of his desk drawers in his office suite at the National Assembly office building, Mr. Kim said.

The financial instruments, all issued in 1989, had a total face value of 300-400 million won ($275,000 - $314,000 at current exchange rates), Mr. Kim said. Also found were three bank statements showing total balances of 15 million won ($12,000). The statements were in the name of a person identified only as Miss Lee.

Mr. Kim said that he also found a passport issued to a former assemblyman, whom he contacted. Mr. Kim said the owner of the passport came and collected all of the documents and securities.

Mr. Kim would would not divulge the identity of the former lawmaker who collected the items.

Mr. Kim has used the office and desk since 1992. According to a directory of the 13th National Assembly, the office now occupied by Mr. Kim was occupied in 1989 by Rep. Dho Young-shim of the Democratic Liberal Party.

by Lee Soo-ho