Updated July.26,2005 13:28 KST

Ambassador Hong Says He's Resigning Amid Controversy
Korean Ambassador to the United States Hong Seok-hyun has reportedly announced he will step down following revelations from a secret audiotape released by a local TV station last week.

The tape contains conversations between the Ambassador and a Samsung Group executive discussing ways to deliver secret campaign funds to candidates running for the presidency in 1997. Sources say Mr. Hong will formally announce his resignation in a press conference Tuesday night Korean time.

Arirang News