The prosecution on Thursday launched an investigation into an allegation that a then-candidate of the ruling Saenuri Party paid for her parliamentary nomination ahead of the April 11 general elections.

The probe is likely to cause a stir in the political circle ahead of the December presidential election, for which political reform and eradication of corruption have become the key campaign words.

The National Election Commission said that on July 30 it requested prosecutors to investigate the allegation that Rep. Hyun Young-hee gave 300 million won to former Saenuri Party lawmaker Hyun Ki-hwan, who was a member of the party’s candidacy recommendation team, asking for her nomination.

Hyun Young-hee is also suspected of providing 20 million won in illegal political funds to former Grand National Party leader Hong Joon-pyo at the end of March, in addition to making a false financial report on her political funds and providing monetary rewards to volunteer workers. She entered the 19th National Assembly on the Saenuri Party’s proportional representation list.

Hyun Ki-hwa, after helping the party’s parliamentary election campaign, is currently the vice president of Yeouido Institute, the Saenuri Party’s think tank.

Observers said the money-for-candidacy investigation could become a perilous detriment to the ruling party’s presidential campaign, as the party’s presidential frontrunner Park Geun-hye had spearheaded the parliamentary race by underscoring reform and transparency.

Both Hyuns flatly denied the allegation in press statements.

“It is completely not true. The prosecution should clearly investigate the case as soon as possible considering the gravity of the situation and resolve all suspicion,” Hyun Ki-hwan said.

Rep. Hyun Young-hee also refuted the suspicion and said the allegation was made by her disgruntled former aide who she had refused to hire as an assistant.

“I will counter sternly against any attempt to slander me or the Saenuri Party,” Hyun Young-hee said.

Both said they would take legal measures against the accuser.

The Saenuri Party, distressed over the potentially explosive development, called for a thorough investigation.

“It is obviously a problem that the prosecution should clarify without leaving any doubt whatsoever,” former chairwoman Park Geun-hye told reporters after participating in a joint speech event among the presidential hopefuls in Chungcheong region.

“The involved parties are flatly denying the allegations and are protesting that it is absolutely absurd. But whatever the case is, as the NEC has filed for a prosecutorial probe, a thorough and impartial investigation must be conducted,” Saenuri spokesman Kim Young-woo said.

The NEC has also reported to the prosecution the suspected election law violations by the minority Advanced Unification Party members.

By Lee Joo-hee (jhl@heraldcorp.com)