S.Korea rattled by spy agency's political interference (2)

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S.Korea rattled by spy agency's political interference (2)

(Xinhua) 08:36, August 12, 2013

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ANOTHER INTERVENTION

Only two days after Park's call for reform, the NIS sought to intervene in politics once again by interpreting Roh's 2007 remarks to the effect that Roh surrendered parts of South Korean territorial waters.

The agency said in an unusual statement that the records showed the two deceased leaders talking several times about "withdrawing both troops from the waters" between the NLL and the West Sea Maritime Military Boundary Line claimed by the DPRK to turn these waters into a peace zone, or a joint fishing area, monitored by police.

The spy agency argued that Roh's suggestion was like giving up the NLL or the abandonment of maritime territory.

The statement said that the agency disclosed the transcript in its will to defend national security.

Even some ruling party lawmakers criticized the statement. Ha Tae-kyung said that President Park proposed ending the wasting row over the NLL that the spy agency reignited, urging Nam to resign as the spy chief who defied instructions by President Park.

The rival parties began a parliamentary probe in early July into the alleged election meddling by the spy agency. Former NIS chief and Seoul police head will be summoned on Aug. 14 for parliamentary hearings, but it is not mandatory for them to testify before lawmakers.

PUBLIC DISENCHANTMENT

Six opposition party lawmakers held a press conference for foreign correspondents on Aug. 2 to champion the street protest launched in the previous day with a slogan of "restoring democracy and reforming the NIS." The Democratic Party set up its makeshift headquarters in Seoul City Hall Plaza.

"It is time to talk to foreign media about it," said Shin Kyoung-min, a supreme council member of the Democratic Party. " The recent series of incidents showed (the NIS' political interference) organized, systemic and multifarious. Democracy in Korea is standing at a crossroad."

Last Saturday, the party held a mass rally with participants totaling some 15,000, including 112 party lawmakers. A number of progressive civic groups said that they planned to hold candle- light vigils for two days Saturday nationwide, targeting a total of 100,000 participants.

The public, however, appeared increasingly indifferent to the issue due to its complicatedness and rising disbelief toward the opposition party. "The issue is so convoluted. The (ruling) Saenuri Party succeeded in diluting the NIS scandal with the NLL issue," said Bean Woon-Cheol, a 36-year-old office worker. "The Saenuri Party is doing politics better than the Democratic Party. I think disenchantment toward politicians remains."

Some said the alleged election tampering would not endanger democracy. "Online comments by the female spy agent cannot shake our democracy. I even haven't read it before," said Yun Byeong- gak, a 65-year-old taxi driver. "As for the NLL issue, Roh should have defined his clear stance on it because he was President. A vague position can be seen as sympathizing with (the DPRK's stance)."

Those public disinterest and disenchantment were reflected in President Park's approval rating that jumped to 59 percent in the second week of August from 42 percent in her early period of presidency, according to a poll by Gallup Korea. Some surveys showed that more than 70 percent of respondents agreed that Park is managing state affairs well.

Some gave high scores to Park's diplomacy and DPRK policy. " Park made good appearances during her summit meeting with U.S. and Chinese presidents," said a bank officer in his 40s who declined to be identified. "Park does not seem to be dragged in relations with North Korea (DPRK)."