South Korea's intelligence agency, whose former head attempted suicide last week, is facing a big shake-up. Dozens of its senior managers are either leaving or being sacked. The organisation, called the Agency for National Security Planning, is also to change its name as part of an attempt to improve its image. Andrew Wood reports from the South Korean capital, Seoul.

South Korea's intelligence agency has a poor reputation. It has been tainted by corruption and political scandal and accusations that it abuses human rights.

Now it is about to be reborn, to focus on external threats rather than meddling in politics and internal matters.

Kim Dae-Jung, targeted by the agency

Under its previous name, the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, or KCIA, it even kidnapped and tried to kill the man who is now South Korean President, Kim Dae-Jung.

The latest alleged abuse of powers involves the former head, Kwon Young-Hae.

He's being questioned about his role in what has become known as "the North Wind Scandal," an alleged campaign to smear President Kim during last year's election by trying to link him with North Korea.

Mr Kwon has not been charged. He is in hospital after he attempted to kill himself last week during a break in questioning.

He tried to cut his stomach open using a knife blade smuggled in a bible.

Reports say the tentative new title for the spy organisation is the National Information Agency.

As part of the purge, hundreds of staff are expected to be sacked, especially those connected with the son of the former President.

New personnel will be screened to avoid the agency being run by old boy networks.
 

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