Ex-Ssangbangul Chief Denies Collusion with Lee Jae-myung, Cites Prosecution Abuse

The recent parliamentary hearing on the Ssangbangul case has brought former chairman Kim Seong-tae to the spotlight, and his testimony raises serious questions about the alleged collusion between the Ssangbangul Group and former Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung. As a publication deeply invested in uncovering the truth behind political and corporate dealings, The Hankyoreh finds Kim's claims of never meeting Lee, while expressing deep regret and calling him a 'hero,' to be a complex and potentially revealing statement.

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I have never met that person, and I have not received anything in return, nor have I dealt with them.

Kim's assertion that he never met Lee, despite being accused of conspiring for illegal North Korean aid, directly challenges the prosecution's narrative. His emotional testimony, where he referred to Lee as his 'hero' and expressed shame, suggests a personal connection or admiration that goes beyond mere political association. This emotional layer, coupled with his denial of direct contact, invites scrutiny into the nature of their relationship and the evidence presented by the prosecution. The Hankyoreh believes that understanding the dynamics between these key figures is crucial to discerning the full truth of the Ssangbangul scandal.

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It is a shame and I am atoning for it. That person was a hero in my heart my entire life.

Furthermore, Kim Seong-tae's harrowing account of the prosecution's investigation, which he described as a 'witch hunt' that led to the arrest of 17 associates and family members, paints a grim picture of the legal process. His statement about experiencing 'shaking limbs' at the mere mention of the prosecution and writing several suicide notes highlights the immense psychological toll of such investigations. This narrative resonates with concerns often raised about the potential for overreach and undue pressure in high-profile cases. From our perspective, such accounts underscore the importance of rigorous oversight and due process, ensuring that investigations are fair and do not inflict unnecessary suffering.

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The prosecution's goal was set.

While international coverage might focus on the political implications for Lee Jae-myung, The Hankyoreh emphasizes the human element and the broader systemic issues at play. Kim's testimony is not just about his personal involvement but also about the methods employed by the prosecution and the impact on individuals caught in the legal net. His reference to historical injustices, comparing his situation to that of wrongly executed individuals in the Joseon Dynasty, adds a layer of cultural context that underscores the gravity of his experience. This story, therefore, is not merely a legal proceeding but a reflection of power, justice, and the human cost of complex investigations within South Korea.

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My body trembles at the mere mention of the word 'prosecution,' and I have written suicide notes several times.