Health minister meets torturer

Kim Keun-tae, health and welfare minister, finally met on Monday the man who repeatedly electrocuted him and dunked his head in water 20 years ago for violating the National Security Law.

“I deeply regret what I did. Please forgive me,” said a crying Lee Geun-an, then a police inspector when the torture occurred in 1985.

The 57-year-old health minister replied that he had forgiven Mr. Lee.

In September 1985, Mr. Kim was held for 20 days by the police and was severely tortured at least 11 times. Mr. Kim said he was not able to walk for more than three months afterwards.

In 1994, the Supreme Court acknowledged that Mr. Kim was illegally tortured by the government and ordered the government to pay 45 million won ($43,800).

Mr. Kim, who was involved in anti-government protests, was charged with violating the National Security Law. Mr. Lee was known for his expertise in using electricity in torture.

Mr. Lee, who gave himself up in 1999 after 11 years in hiding, is serving a seven-year prison term specifically for hurting the minister. Bowing to the minister, Mr. Lee said that he admits to torturing Mr. Kim.

When Mr. Lee gave himself up in 1999, Mr. Kim declined to meet him. An aide to Mr. Kim said that the minister changed his mind now as Mr. Lee admitted his guilt in July.

“The minister took this step because he came to view Mr. Lee as a victim of the era as well,” said the aide. Mr. Kim’s wife said, “I think he needed some time before making up his mind with all the history involved.”

by Shin Sung-shik