By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter

One of the nation's largest environmental groups has made a public apology for one of its member's embezzlement of subsidies and donations.

The public apology was issued after one of its leaders tendered his resignation and the group vowed to conduct major organizational reform.

The Korean Federation for Environmental Movement (KFEM) said in a statement Monday, ``We apologize for disappointing the public over the recent corruption case.''

A group leader identified only as Kim was arrested Friday for embezzling more than 200 million won in donations. He obtained subsidies from the National Forestry Cooperatives Federation and other organizations. But he used the funds to pay staff salaries, buy a sports car and pay off his girlfriend's debts, making fake receipts to cover up the fraud.

KFEM said it accepted the resignation of Yoon Joon-ha, one of its co-leaders, and secretary general Ahn Byung-ok. Two other co-heads, Ewha Womans University Professor Choe Jae-chun and Yonsei University Professor Cho Han Hae-joang, also resigned, but the organization did not accept their resignations, saying the group needs their help in its reform drive.

It said a special committee will be set up to make its organization and accounting transparent and discuss its future course.

``We are discussing various measures. We need a transparent accounting system which can be monitored by inside and outside auditors,'' Park Chang-jae, a director of the group, said.

``Beyond preventing the recurrence of such an incident, we should change our structure and system as a whole,'' Park said, adding the group will need about three weeks to come up with a final reform measure.

KFEM said its activists will return to the basics of the environmental movement and reflect on their attitude. ``We accept public criticism over the case, and will make every effort to rectify the problems and be reborn as a healthy and transparent civic group,'' it said in a statement.

In the meantime, the prosecution is expanding its investigation after securing evidence that other group members were involved in embezzlement.

rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr