Former president's lovechild chases inheritance

The late former President Kim Young-sam waves to people during a car parade after his inauguration ceremony in Seoul, on Feb. 25, 1993. / Yonhap

By Kim Da-hee

Former president Kim Young-sam’s son, who was born out of wedlock, is seeking his share of his dead father’s assets.

Legal sources said the man, in his 50s, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the private “Kim Young-sam Center for Democracy” foundation, which owned Kim’s estate in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province. He is seeking his portion, worth about 340 million won ($287,000).

The former president, who died last November, governed the nation from 1993 to 1998.

In January 2011, Kim said he wanted to give his wealth ― 5 billion won ($4.23 million) ― to the public. This came a month before the plaintiff won his paternity case, proving his legitimate link to the late Kim.

According to the law, direct descendants ― such as children and grandchildren ― can take half of a statutory inheritance.

“When the late Kim expressed his will to donate his fortune, the result of the paternity suit was virtually decided,” the plaintiff’s solicitor said. “The Kim Young-sam Center for Democracy would know the donation may violate the plaintiff’s right to receive legally secured portions.

“If we do not reach an agreement with the accused before the trial, we can consider tracking property relations of the bereaved with the former president so as to request the recovery of the inheritance.”