X-file scandal

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X-file scandal: In 2005, a South Korean political scandal emerged after wiretapped conversations were released to the media. The tapes reportedly showed conservative politicians from the Grand National Party arranging bribes during the 1997 presidential election. The wiretaps were obtained illegally, and the case drew attention to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and its possible involvement in politics and private matters.

In July 2005, police raided the home of NIS officer Kong Un-young and found 274 tapes. Kong attempted suicide but survived. The evidence pointed to possible NIS involvement, leading some Grand National Party leaders to say the Roh Moo-hyun administration knew about the wiretaps, while supporters of the pro-government Uri Party argued that GNP leaders were aware as well.

The scandal raised concerns about how intelligence agencies may influence politics in Korea.