National Defense Scandal

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A Defense Security Command document has revealed that ex-presidential secretary for national security Kim Kwan-jin received tens of thousands of dollars through an American lobbyist. Here’s more.

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Ex-presidential secretary for national security Kim Kwan-jin was appointed as a research adviser for the Agency for Defense Development since he had served as a Joint Chief of Staff. He had even received three million won in monthly pay. Even during the time when he was in the U.S. for training, he retained his position as adviser. A Defense Security Command record points out that Kim, who was being paid by the government as an ADD adviser, received money with uncertain purposes and that that in itself was very inappropriate. The document also reported that it was improper for a reservist general and ADD adviser to be given preferential treatment by the lobbying company working for a large American defense contractor. KBS found out whom Kim had met through the lobbying firm Livingston Group. According to the contract obtained by KBS, Kim had met with American senators and House representatives as well as retired high-ranking military officials. The Congressional members he had met largely consisted of those who had received money from Lockheed Martin and other giant defense contractors. The politicians included House Representatives Mac Thornberry and Ike Skelton.

[Soundbite] Kim Kwan-jin 9Fmr. Presidential Secretary for National Security) : "The meetings were to discuss the situations around the Korean Peninsula. I didn't have any other objectives."

According to its regulations, the ADD applies tough ethical code to its employees. ADD regulations stipulate that an adviser can be dismissed from his post if he is involved in corruption or irregularities.