'Fishery Industry Bribery Scandal' Sparks Controversy for National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won

Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Kim Mo (43, detained), who is under police investigation for impersonating a fisheries businessman and providing money and gifts to prosecutors, police officers, and journalists, is also reported to have met with Park Ji-won, the Director of the National Intelligence Service, and sent him gifts.

Kim was arrested on charges including a 11.6 billion KRW investment fraud involving frozen squid (rapidly chilled squid caught on board) and reportedly testified to the police about matters related to Director Park before being transferred.

It is known that Kim attended a meal with Director Park through an introduction by a political figure and later said he sent seafood to Director Park’s residence through his secretary.

Regarding this, Director Park’s side told the media, "We met Kim together with several people through an introduction by a former colleague member of the National Assembly," and added, "We do not remember the exact timing, but it seems to have been before the appointment as the Director of the National Intelligence Service." Director Park was appointed in July last year.

They also stated, "We were introduced to Kim as someone running an internet media company and working in the sports sector, so we just exchanged pleasantries," and "We had forgotten about the meeting with Kim until this report reminded us."

Regarding the gifts that Kim reportedly sent to Director Park’s residence through his secretary, Director Park’s side explained, "We did receive them," but added, "They were not particularly expensive or memorable gifts."

Kim previously testified to the police that he provided money and gifts to a current chief prosecutor, a police officer of superintendent rank, and former and current journalists, and he is currently under investigation for violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (Anti-Graft Act).

It is also known that Kim began to be introduced to various figures in politics and other sectors after his release from prison, through A (59), a former journalist he met in prison when he was serving a prison sentence for another fraud case in 2016.