Home>>World
Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, July 16, 2002

Sons' Woes Leave Him 'wretched,' Kim Dae-jung Says

South Korean President Kim Dae-jung expressed his position on current matters of concerns including corruption scandals involving his sons in a press conference held on the 15th.


PRINT DISCUSSION CHINESE SEND TO FRIEND


South Korean President Kim Dae-jung expressed his position on current matters of concerns including corruption scandals involving his sons in a press conference held on the 15th.

But his views on such issues were far different from expectations of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) as well as the Grand National Party (GNP), triggering a question over the president`s understanding of the current situation.

Kim Dae-jung made an apology over his sons` implication in a series of corruption scandals and said that he would reform the Peace Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Region and work out institutions to prevent corruption involving family members and relatives of the president.

Also he emphasized that he would concentrate only on the state affairs for the rest of his tenure.

But Kim Dae-jung turned a blind eye to the demand from the political sector that he dissolve the private think tank.

Regarding his first son, Hong-il, an MDP lawmaker, who is under pressure to quit the party, Kim Dae-jung expressed reservation, saying that it would be Hong-il��s decision.

Kim Dae-jung said, "I will reorganize the Peace Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Region, whose helm will be taken by figures who are socially renowned and politically unbiased. I will not meddle in the management of the foundation."

Kim Dae-jung made an apology and said that he has never been more distressed than now. But regarding the fact that his second son took money from former and incumbent heads of the National Intelligence Service, he only said, "I heard that they gave him their private money. But I feel sorry and ashamed that my child took the money even though the money was privately owned."

Kim Dae-jung went on to say, "I have never received any prior notice, and no one is held accountable. So I am considering tightening legal devices aimed at ensuring no repeat of such an unhappy episode."

Concerning the appointment of Prime Minister Chang Sang, he said, "It is regrettable to see controversy over the appointment mounting. I think she will be confirmed without much difficulty."

Source: Agencies










Questions?Comments? Click here
    Advanced






Kim Dae-jung Contrite as His 2d Son Goes to Jail

S.Korea President's Second Son Prosecuted for Bribery

South Korea Replaces Prime Minister, Six Ministers





 


How to View Major Problems in China's Income Distribution System ( 35 Messages)

Gang of 66 Criminals Get Heavy Sentences ( 3 Messages)

Sino-Russian Military Exercise not Targeting Third Country ( 58 Messages)

Shanghai Plans Asia's Biggest Shopping Center ( 124 Messages)

Taiwan to Lift Half-century Ban on Direct Investment in Mainland ( 2 Messages)

China's Economy Grew 7.8 Percent in First Half Year ( 3 Messages)



Copyright by People's Daily Online, all rights reserved