Park calls for unhindered probe of bribery scandal

Published : May 8, 2015 - 19:49 Updated : May 8, 2015 - 20:09

President Park Geun-hye Friday called for a unhindered investigation into a bribery scandal as the prosecution summoned a provincial governor for questioning over the scandal involving some of Park's key aides.

"I am determined to capitalize on this opportunity to clear people's suspicions over the recent affairs through an investigation without sanctuary and to make our society and the political circle be born again completely," Park said during her meeting with representatives of volunteer organization Rotary Korea.

"Each and every government of the past has called for corruption eradication without success, but I hope you can extend help to accomplish it this time," she said.

The remarks come as the prosecution broadened its investigation into the bribery scandal, which forced Lee Wan-koo to step down from his position as prime minister last month.

South Gyeongsang Province Gov. Hong Joon-pyo was summoned for a prosecution interrogation earlier in the day, becoming the first high-profile politician being quizzed over the bribery scandal. The prosecution is also planning to interrogate Lee within the coming weeks.

Before hanging himself last month, Sung Wan-jong, the late chairman of a mid-size construction firm, left a memo and a recorded media interview, claiming that he greased the hands of eight politicians, including Hong and the former prime minister, as well as some of Park's key aides.

"There are many kinds of difficulties in and outside of the country for the time being, but it is important to set the country's basis upright at a time like this," she said, urging the volunteer group to "join hands with one heart and mind."

(Yonhap)