YONHAP NEWS

Presidential office denies allegation that aide took bribe

   SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's presidential office acknowledged Saturday one of its ranking officials was offered a bribe four years ago, but claimed he immediately rejected it, as the prosecution began its latest investigation involving top presidential aides.

   The denial comes after Yonhap News Agency reported earlier in the day that prosecutors have acquired a list government officials, including presidential secretary Jung Sang-moon, who were allegedly bribed by a local maritime shipping company in an attempt to avoid tax evasion charges.

   Jung, 62, who oversees general affairs at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, denied the allegation he received a bribe of about 100 million won (US$105,000) from a former son-in-law who worked for the company.

   Presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon backed Jung's claim.

   "It is true that the former son-in-law of secretary Jung came to him and offered a bag apparently containing money, saying it could be used to pay his debts," Cheon told reporters. "Jung was infuriated and sent him away."
The shipping company, which has only been identified as "S," has declined to comment.

   The case is the latest in a string of cases involving Cheong Wa Dae officials. A trial is underway to clarify the link between Byeon Yang-kyoon, a former presidential policy coordinator who resigned in September, and Shin Jeong-ah, a controversial former art professor who allegedly secured career-related favors from Byeon in a forgery case that rocked the nation last year.

   In October, a former presidential protocol secretary, Jung Yun-jae, was arrested on charges of taking bribes from a local businessman who sought to win a lucrative construction bid.

   President Roh Moo-hyun is scheduled to step down on Feb. 25 when President-elect Lee Myung-bak takes over, ending a decade of liberal rule. Lee, a former business executive and Seoul mayor, won the December election by a landslide.

   South Korea's president serves a single five-year term.

   samkim@yna.co.kr
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