Lawmaker questioned over sexual assault allegation

By Lee Kyung-min

Rep. Sim Hag-bong

The prosecution questioned former ruling Saenuri Party lawmaker Sim Hag-bong, Thursday, over allegations that he raped a woman in July.

The summons comes two months after the prosecution launched an investigation into the case following public criticism for the police’s initial investigation in August which cleared him of the allegation because after questioning.

Before entering the Daegu District Prosecutors’ Office for questioning, Sim said, “I’m sorry for causing this row. I will fully cooperate with the prosecution.” He did not comment on a reporters’ question about whether or not he admits to the rape allegation.

Prosecutors questioned him about whether he had sexual intercourse with the woman forcibly and if he urged her to withdraw the rape accusation later.

Sim, 54, allegedly told the insurance sales woman, 48, to come to a hotel in Daegu and raped her on July 13. He also allegedly gave her 300,000 won in cash after having sex with her. She reported this to police on July 24, but during second and third questioning, she changed her story and said there was no coercion in the sexual intercourse, adding she did not want Sim to be punished. Sim and the woman told police that there was a “misunderstanding” and they talked about it.

Prosecutors grilled Sim on whether he tried to cover up the case by giving money to her or threatening her.

“We may summon him again if involved people give different testimonies,” a prosecutor said.

The prosecution earlier raided his home and his office at the National Assembly, seized his computer hard disks and examined his phone records and bank accounts. It questioned the woman twice last month as well.

Depending on their findings, prosecutors will determine whether to indict him.

While he left the ruling party after the scandal emerged, the National Assembly is moving to expel him as well. Last month, the National Assembly’s ethics panel unanimously voted for a motion to deprive him of his parliamentary seat. The Assembly will decide whether to approve the motion during the plenary session on Oct. 13.

Prosecutors said they would try to announce the results of the investigation before this date.