By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Kim Woo-ryong, former chairman of the Foundation for Broadcasting Culture (FBC), left Korea for Las Vegas Monday, just days before the National Assembly's planned to hold hearings into allegations that Cheong Wa Dae influenced the reshuffling of executive posts at MBC.
He sneaked out of the airport, leaving a group of reporters who were waiting for him at points throughout the terminal. His successful escape raises suspicions that the presidential house backed his departure. The FBC is the largest shareholder of MBC.
Kim left on a Korean Air flight at 8:50 p.m. from Incheon International Airport. His secretary completed the check in process for him.
Reporters were waiting for Kim in front of the security checkpoints, but Kim never appeared. It was later revealed that he had used a VIP lounge to avoid encountering the press.
"Kim was in a sensitive position where he has to testify to lawmakers about the MBC restructuring project. His sneaking out of the country proves that he has something to hide and that someone else doesn't want him to reveal anything," said Yeon Bo-heum, spokesman for the MBC unionists. "Cheong Wa Dae is highly likely the one."
Yeon said Kim should disclose whether or not the presidential house pressured Kim Jae-chul, president of the nation's second largest broadcaster, to fire all "leftist" executives.
Kim resigned last month after his interview with monthly magazine, Shindong-A caused a stir.
While explaining about the reshuffling of executive posts at the liberal-leaning broadcasting network, he said, "The recent personnel reshuffle was not carried out by MBC President Kim Jae-chul alone. It was done after 'the big house' called him in and kicked him in the shin." He said, "Kim Jae-chul was asked to perform the clean up so he did."