The prosecutors have been investigating the alleged use of illegal election slush funds from companies. The results of the investigation are to be released soon.

An official at the prosecutors’ office said that the companies had not issued receipts for the money since, having amassed the funds in irregular ways. The GNP had put the money directly into its accounts, not going through the accounts of its supporters’ association. The prosecutors said they would summon two high-ranking GNP lawmakers, Choi Don-woong and Kim Young-il, as early as next week. The prosecution did not disclose the number and name of the companies that had provided the campaign funds.

Prosecutor-general Song Gwang-soo said Friday that the investigation could be completed soon if companies voluntarily cooperate. The prosecution has been hoping to wrap up the investigation as soon as possible, to “brighten up the atmosphere of society,” Song added, apparently in response to grumbling from the business sector.

Ahn Dae-hee, the head of the Central Investigation Division in charge of the campaign fund investigation, said that the prosecutors have been trying “not to ruin the atmosphere of society.” The prosecutors have been flummoxed by the broad scope of the investigation, but said they would be on the right track by mid-December.

The prosecutors summoned Lee Kye-ahn, the chairman of Hyundai Capital, on Thursday. The prosecutors were looking into whether Lee had been involved in amassing the slush funds and providing illegal campaign funds.

The prosecution said in regard to the alleged corruption of people close to President Roh Moo-hyun that they would summon Kang Byung-joong, the head of the Busan Broadcasting Station and Nexen Tire, again next week. The prosecutors are to investigate whether Kang made a slush fund or gave illegal campaign funds to Roh’s camp, and if so, decide on a punishment. (Choi Jae-hyuk, jhchoi@chosun.com )