National Intelligence Service Director Kim Man-bok makes a deep bow after offering to resign to take responsibility for a document leak from the spy agency in Seoul, Tuesday. / Korea Times |
By Kim Yon-se
Staff Reporter
The nation's spy chief could face a criminal investigation for leaking confidential information in violation of internal National Intelligence Service (NIS) regulations.
The speculation arose after he offered to resign Tuesday, amid mounting criticism over leaking classified documents detailing a conversation between himself and his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yang-gon.
The conservative Grand National Party (GNP) called on the prosecution to start an immediate investigation into the incident.
In a hurriedly arranged news conference, NIS director Kim Man-bok said he had tendered his resignation to President Roh Moo-hyun. ``I feel responsible for the leak and have decided to step down.''
He made public his intention to quit the post after talking with a Cheong Wa Dae secretary. President Roh Moo-hyun's spokesman Cheon Ho-seon indicated that Roh will accept the resignation, indicating that he was to be dismissed for his mishandling of confidential information. It is expected that the top NIS post will remain vacant until the new administration names a successor.
``I directed NIS officials to forward the documents to the media,'' Kim said. ``I apologize to the public for not controlling confidential information.''
His offer to resign came after President-elect Lee Myung-bak's transition committee called on the NIS to conduct an internal inquiry into the leak. The transition team said the agency has already confirm!ed Kim's direct involvement.
GNP spokeswoman Na Kyung-won said, ``His resignation cannot wrap up the scandal. It should be investigated by the prosecution.''
After the classified documents were made public in a local newspaper, the transition team faced a public backlash over critical information leaks that are threatening to tarnish the incoming government's image.
There has been speculation that an NIS official might have intentionally leaked the document on Jan. 5 after presenting it to the transition team.
The NIS chief has already been criticized for having visited the North just one day before the Dec. 19 presidential election. Critics claimed he traveled there in an apparent attempt to influence the election as Lee, the candidate of the GNP, was leading the race. Kim's secret visit sparked controversy.
According to reports, Kim told the North's spy chief that Lee was sure to win the election. He was quoted as saying that he was pretty optimistic that there would be no significant change in Seoul's inter-Korean policy despite this scenario.
Kim said, ``Lee could make a strong case for the engagement policy to conservatives in the South,'' according to reports.
He did not rule out the possibility of Lee seeking a much bolder North Korea policy. Judging from the report, Kim talked quite positively about the prospects of Lee's election victory and his policy toward the North.
The leak was apparently designed to publicize Kim's efforts to curry favor with the President-elect. Kim was once slammed for drawing too much attention to himself during negotiations with the Taliban for the release of Korean hostages in Afghanistan last August.
He was also accused of acting improperly ― boasting of his success in obtaining the freedom of the captives. Kim replaced Kim Seung-kyu as the nation's spy chief in November 2006.
출처:코리아타임즈
kys@koreatimes.co.kr
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