Corruption Investigation

[Anchor Lead]

Former President Lee Myung-bak returned from his trip to Bahrain on Wednesday. He did not make remarks upon arriving in the nation, in stark contrast to the vociferous criticism he leveled against the Moon Jae-in government's drive to clean up irregularities from past governments when he left for the Middle Eastern country. Political disputes are intensifying over the government's investigation into past irregularities and corruption allegations.

[Pkg]

Former President Lee Myung-bak returned home after completing his four-day visit to Bahrain. Lee declined to answer questions about pending political issues, including a government investigation into the military's alleged election meddling during his term.

[Soundbite] Former President Lee Myung-bak : "(The investigation into your key aides is progressing fast.) ..."

Upon leaving for Bahrain on November 12th, Lee strongly denied the allegations that he had gave an order to launch an online smear campaign. He even described the government's drive to clean up past irregularities like political retaliation to vent their emotions. The ruling Democratic Party called for the complete elimination of irregularities from the past, saying that the National Intelligence Service engaged in fearsome and threatening maneuvers and inspections for the last nine years.

[Soundbite] Woo Won-sik(Floor Leader, Democratic Party) : "We are urging the government to completely clean up remaining irregularities in the political sector and focus on reforming society in general, including the personnel, institutions and culture."

The minor opposition People's Party called for the summons and questioning of Lee. The main opposition Liberal Korea Party strongly protested, saying that the Moon Jae-in government's political retaliation is going beyond limits.

[Soundbite] Kim Seong-tae(Liberty Korea Party) : "Those from past governments are being denounced as irregularities. It is now attempting to turn the nation upside down to retaliate and satisfy its resentment."

The conservative minor opposition Bareun Party said it will wait and see how the prosecution's investigation will proceed for the time being, pointing out that it has yet to see disclosed evidence of illegal acts committed by the former president.