NIS Investigation

[Anchor Lead]

Prosecutors have summoned former National Intelligence Service chief Nam Jae-joon over allegations that ousted President Park Geun-hye and her office received some four billion won in slush funds from the spy agency. An arrest warrant is being sought for former National Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin over his alleged involvement in the military's illegal cyber activities to influence public opinion under the Lee Myung-bak government.

[Pkg]

Former National Intelligence Service Director Nam Jae-joon entered the prosecutors' office, declining to answer a barrage of questions from reporters. But he stopped at the entrance and stood in front of cameras. Nam then criticized an investigation by prosecutors in a determined voice.

[Soundbite] Nam Jae-joon(Former NIS Director) : "NIS employees are the last bastion and best warriors protecting liberal democracy. It is unfortunate to see the tragic reality in which they had to kill themselves while being investigated, with no praise and compliment for their devotion and sacrifice."

Prosecutors focused their questioning of Nam on what the NIS's budget for "special activities" was. They also grilled him over whether the money had been used as slush funds for ousted President Park Geun-hye and if she had ordered the spy agency to provide the funds. Prosecutors will decide on when and how to question the former president after concluding their probes of former NIS chiefs. Meanwhile, the prosecution is seeking arrest warrants for former Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and other
officials. Kim and the officials are accused of leading an online smear campaign by the military's Cyber Command under the Lee Myung-bak administration. Prosecutors will decide on whether to investigate former President Lee Myung-bak after watching if the arrest warrants are issued as requested.