South Gyeongsang Governor Questioned Over Bribery

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office summoned South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Tae-ho, Tuesday, to question him over allegedly taking bribes from former Taekwang CEO Park Yeon-cha.

The governor has been under investigation on suspicions of taking tens of millions of won in bribes in April 2007 in exchange for granting Park business favors. Kim denies the allegation.

According to prosecutors, Kim received the money at a Korean restaurant in Manhattan on April 25, 2007 via its owner, Park's aide. At that time, Kim was visiting major cities in the United States to host investor relations meetings for an English-education village in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province.

``We have investigated whether Kim provided Park administrative favors at a time when a resort development project pursued by Park in Gimhae was underway,'' a prosecutor said.

Meanwhile, Park's lawyers have asked the Seoul Central District Court to temporarily release him for one week for medical treatment.

Park was indicted on charges of giving bribes to politicians and lawmakers. Park has suffered from chronic high blood pressure and pain in the waist following heart surgery he underwent in 2007, his lawyers said.

Sejoong Namo Tour Chairman Chun Shin-il, whom the prosecution had questioned for taking bribes from Park, was released the same night.