Builder quizzed over sex-for-favor scandal

A local construction contractor went before the police Thursday to face questioning over allegations that he hired women to provide sexual favors to a number of high-profile figures in return for business benefits.

The sex bribery scandal centers around allegations that up to nine people, including former and incumbent high-ranking government officials and the head of a hospital, received sexual services from about a dozen women hired by the 52-year-old construction contractor, surnamed Yoon.

Yoon showed up at the office building of the National Police Agency (NPA) in central Seoul around 12:30 p.m. and answered, "No, I did not," when questioned by reporters if he provided sexual favors, before entering the building.

It marked Yoon's first appearance before police since the probe began two months ago.

Police have recently stepped up the investigation, banning former Vice Justice Minister Kim Hak-ui, suspected to be one of the high-profile figures, from leaving the country last week.

The widening scandal rocked Korean society following the revelations of video footage that allegedly shows an intimate rendezvous between the figures and the women at a luxury vacation home in Wonju, 132 kilometers east of Seoul, which is allegedly owned by Yoon.

Yoon told reporters that he does now know about the video footage and also denied any relations with the former vice justice minister.

Police will question Yoon over whether he committed illegal acts while trying to win construction contracts and examine whether the figures, who allegedly received sexual services, peddled their influence for Yoon, according to police officers close to the investigation. (Yonhap News)