Nothing could be more shameful than seeing a former president appear for questioning at a prosecutors’ office. This was all the more so when Lee Myung-bak became the fifth former head of state to be summoned as a criminal suspect Wednesday. He faces 20-plus charges, including bribery, embezzlement, abuse of power and tax evasion.
What Lee should do now is tell the truth about irregularities he allegedly committed while in office from 2008 to 2013. He should be subject to a thorough investigation. If he tries to hide the truth and cover up the facts, he could end up further disgracing himself and humiliating the people and the nation.
Lee is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, just as every citizen is. He needs to bear in mind that all humans are equal before the law, with no exceptions. It would be nonsense if he believes he is above the law only because he is a former leader.
He should have spared no effort to ensure the rule of law during his term before shouting the empty slogan of ushering in a clean and transparent society. It is a pity he failed to remain free from any suspicious acts. Lee may claim he had done nothing wrong. He may also accuse the liberal Moon Jae-in government of mobilizing the prosecution to press groundless charges against him.
But Lee went too far in defending himself. Earlier this year he denounced the investigation as political revenge. He must have believed Moon has a grudge against him as the latter’s own political mentor, former President Roh Moo-hyun, committed suicide in 2009 amid a bribery investigation under the Lee government.
Before making a case for a political vendetta, Lee should have asked himself: Was there anything wrong with him and his presidency? If not, he can refute any allegations against him during the inquiry.
Lee is suspected of having taken about 11 billion won ($10 million) in bribes from Samsung Group, the National Intelligence Service and private individuals. The sum included 6 billion won Samsung paid in litigation fees for auto parts maker DAS, whose real owner is widely seen as Lee although his brother runs it. Another 2.2 billion won allegedly came from a former president of Woori Financial Group.
The charges Lee faces appear no less serious than those against his successor Park Geun-hye. Park is waiting for a verdict next month in a massive corruption and influence-peddling case that led to her impeachment and indictment last year. Other disgraced former presidents included Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo who were convicted of treason, bribery and other charges.
We hope Lee is the last former president to face criminal charges. If the country fails to end such shameful and tragic episodes, we cannot avoid a repetition of past mistakes nor create a better future.