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Taekwang Industry CEO Park Yeon-cha on Thursday admitted he gave US$1 million in July 2007 to then-president Roh Moo-hyun himself rather than the first lady, the Supreme Public Prosecutors' Office said. Roh on Wednesday claimed his wife Kwon Yang-sook had borrowed the money to repay a debt.
Prosecutors said Park told them he gave the money to former presidential secretary for general affairs Chung Sang-moon for delivery to Roh.
According to prosecutors, when the $1 million was handed over, a Taekwang Industry employee went to Cheong Wa Dae with a briefcase filled with 10,000 $100 bills and hand it over to Chung. A prosecutor said Chung then probably delivered it to Roh.
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Former president Roh Moo-hyun (left) and his wife take a walk at their home in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province on Thursday. /Yonhap
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Prosecutors are trying to determine whether Roh asked for money from Park in return for favors and are focusing on any links Park's various projects may have with the former president.
Roh's son Gun-ho (36) was allegedly present at a meeting in February last year between Park and Yeon Chul-ho, the husband of Roh's niece, who also allegedly took money from Park. Prosecutors are considering whether to summon Roh Gun-ho, who is in the United States.
If the testimony proves accurate, Roh could be prosecuted for bribery even if there is no specific evidence of favors being granted in exchange. On Wednesday night, Roh posted another statement on his own Website saying, "The truth that I know and what the prosecution suspects may not be the same."
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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