By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter
Former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook denied allegations that she received bribes in a money-for-position swap deal while in office, Monday.
Appearing at a Seoul Central District Court hearing, Han told reporters, "I will try to shed light on the truth with all I have." She said she will "fully cooperate" and attend scheduled sessions.
The 66-year-old, who was the first woman to hold the top Cabinet post, was indicted in December last year on charges of receiving $50,000 from Kwak Young-wook, the CEO of Korea Express, in December 2006 in exchange for influencing the decision for him to be given the top post at the state-run Korea Coal Corp. Kwak failed to win the position.
Han served as prime minister between April 2006 and March 2007 under Roh Moo-hyun. Roh, who committed suicide in May last year at the height of an investigation into bribery allegations, is the predecessor of incumbent President Lee Myung-bak.
The case is drawing greater media attention than any other bribery cases involving high-profile politicians since local elections, planned for June 2, are just three months away.
Han is one of the strongest candidates from the largest opposition Democratic Party (DP) for Seoul Mayor. Considering the political sensitivity of the case, the court will put it on a fast-track and hand down a verdict by early April, analysts said.
If she is found guilty and receives a jail term, her candidacy will be dropped and subsequently leave an indelible stain on her party's reputation.
The prosecution is confident about her conviction. A prosecutor familiar with the case said, "We have testimony and evidence that can overturn Han's protestations of innocence."
Prosecutors say Kwak had a lunch meeting with Han, DP Chairman Chung Sye-kyun and former Construction and Transportation Minister Kang Dong-seok at the prime minister's office.
"Kwak gave two envelopes with $20,000 and $30,000, respectively, to Han, when they were alone after lunch," the prosecutor said. Chung will appear at the courtroom in the near future as a witness.
Scores of Han's supporters lined the way leading to the court in southern Seoul. Thunderous applause and rousing cheers came as Han in a purple winter coat exited a black sedan. Some supporters held placards and chanted slogans in support of the politician.