PRESS DIGEST - South Korean newspapers - Feb 18

SEOUL, Feb 18 (Reuters) - The following is a summary of major South Korean newspapers on Monday, prepared by Reuters in Seoul. Reuters has not checked the stories and does not guarantee their accuracy.

CHOSUN ILBO

A special investigation team on Feb 17 questioned President-elect Lee Myung-bak in relation to his alleged involvement in a stock price manipulating scandal.

South Korea's Defence Ministry is considering creating a special force team that will focus on rescuing abducted nationals overseas, according to an official.

MAEIL BUSINESS NEWSPAPER

South Korean government has yet to verify whether the 22 repatriated North Koreans who drifted in South Korean waters have been executed, according to government officials.

Hana Financial Group (086790.KS: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) will buy 1 million shares of Merrill Lynch, said a high-ranking official.

KOREA ECONOMIC DAILY

KT Corp (030200.KS: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) will absorb KTF Co Ltd (032390.KS: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) in 2-3 years at the latest, according to an official in KT Corp.