GNP steamed, but Lee remains cool on film

Some members of the Grand National Party are up in arms over a movie they say lampoons Lee Hoi-chang over allegations of draft dodging by his son.

Representative Hong Joon-pyo said Friday that "Boss X-File," a new release directed by Kim Sung-deok targets Mr. Lee, the GNP's presidential candidate. "The catch phrase of the movie's newspaper advertisement is 'Let's not vote for this presidential candidate,' which is a violation of the election laws," Mr. Hong said.

The movie features a political party called Jangnaradang -- GNP's name in Korean is Hannaradang -- that raises illegal political funds from gangsters after the party's popularity tanks when its presidential candidate's son is found to have dodged the draft.

In the movie, prosecutors set up a sting operation in a room salon, an upscale hostess bar, to catch the politicians receiving money.

"The movie is showing on 220 screens, a record number in Korea," said Mr. Hong. "The movie producer and the director worked at a broadcasting company that is on bad terms with the GNP."

Mr. Hong called the movie a ploy to bring down the GNP presidential candidate.

Mr. Kim, the director, said that Koreans believe the sons of many leaders in their society evade military service. He added that the movie is a commentary on untrustworthy politicians and is not aimed at Mr. Lee. "Just see the movie," he said.

Despite Mr. Hong, and the party's accusations regarding the film, Mr. Lee's advisers said they found nothing wrong with it. "Some voiced concerns about parts of the movie, but we think overreacting would only hurt the party," said a Lee aide, who asked not to be identified.

Other party sources said the GNP has evidence that another film that features political irregularities similar to allegations against Mr. Lee will be released before the presidential election in December.

by Ko Jung-ae