IOC man's son on Salt Lake charge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE SON of a leading official of the International Olympic Committee has been charged in connection with the Salt Lake City scandal, US legal officials said yesterday.
John Kim has been charged with lying to the FBI during its investigation of alleged corruption in winning the Utah city the 2002 Winter Olympics, and using fraudulently obtained immigration documents to get an American visa. The New York indictment charges that Mr Kim was given a job in order to persuade his father to back Salt Lake City's bid.
Kim Un Yong, a powerful member of the IOC, was considered a leading candidate to succeed Juan Antonio Samaranch as president when Mr Samaranch retires in two years time. He was given a warning by the IOC after its investigation into the Salt Lake City affair earlier this year but the case was left open. He strenuously denies any wrongdoing.
Jung Hoon "John" Kim, his son was hired to work in the New York office of a local broadcasting company according to David Simmons, the chief executive of the firm at the time. Mr Simmons said he was asked to hire John Kim by officials in Salt Lake City. The bid committee reimbursed him for part of Mr Kim's salary, he said.
John Kim, who he says the job was a genuine one, has since launched a legal action against Mr Simmons in Korea.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments