Another stupid journo identifying the Hijack code on its newspaper. The more it will be advertised, the less effective it will become.
As to the KAL capt stating he was "told" by ATC to squwak that precise code I doubt it very much, no controller will use that code up. Confusion and English misunderstanding I rather beleive having seen and practiced KAL R/T for many years.
KAL is probably the only airline where seniority and experience in the cockpit increases the probability and seriousness of problems caused...