Lawmakers Grill Tearful Son Of S Korea President

Dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief and occasionally sobbing, the son of South Korean President Kim Young-sam on Friday begged forgiveness as lawmakers grilled him over a loans scandal.

But although Kim Hyun-chul apologised for pompous conduct in a parliamentary inquisition broadcast live on television, he denied taking bribes in the scandal that has rocked his fathers presidency.

The National Assembly is investigating his role in a loans-for-kickbacks scandal surrounding Hanbo Steel Co, which collapsed in January under debts of $5.8 billion.

Im praying for forgiveness, praying for my repentance and praying for hope. I deeply apologise to the people, he said, tears welling in his eyes.

 

Kim Hyun-chul, 38, the presidents second son, said he had been chiding himself for creating an enormous social furore.

But he insisted: I did not take money from Hanbo.

The junior Kim, dubbed the Crown Prince by the media, also countered charges by opposition politicians that he meddled in state affairs, including key appointments.

When my father asked me, I just recommended widely respected and outstanding people, he said.

As a son, I tried to help my father properly, but as a result caused trouble. I am tormented and praying these days.

Extravagant displays of remorse are not uncommon in South Korea, where a Confucian tradition requires that public figures be above suspicion. Unfilial behaviour is particularly reviled.

President Kim has also apologised over the loans scandal and the role of his son, saying he took moral responsibility.

Neither Kim has ever admitted to any crime.

I believe I must be punished if I committed crime, Hyun-chul said after being sworn in to give testimony and settling behind a microphone at a parliamentary bench.

Asked if he violated laws, he said: I dont think so.

Prosecutors have been probing charges that Kim Hyun-chul took a 200 billion won ($224 million) kickback from a business associate acting on behalf of Hanbo.

Lawmakers earlier said they would grill him over these allegations, but did not bring it up in early questioning.

Kim Hyun-chuls testimony is the climax of a 45-day parliamentary probe into Hanbo that has scandalised the nation and tarnished the reputation of a president who took office vowing to stamp out graft.

Political analysts said the sons testimony could further weaken the authority of the president, who has already become a lame duck in his last year of office.

Kim Hyun-chul conceded he might have appeared pompous by writing an autobiography, running a large office despite being jobless and discussing state affairs with his father.

I am remorseful for what I have done, he said, revealing that he once considered running for parliament but dropped the idea when his father disagreed.

He denied rumours he kept unspent funds from his fathers 992 election campaign and had asked the founder of the Hanbo Group, Chung Tae-soo, to help launder the money.

Kim Hyun-chul played an important role in the campaign.

Chung is standing trial for corruption along with nine others, including a former cabinet minister, close associates of the president, politicians and bankers in connection with Hanbo Steels collapse.