Ex-President Sues Relatives Over Asset

Former President Roh Tae-woo has filed a lawsuit against his brother and nephew, accusing them of refusing to return a company that they set up with slush funds he entrusted to them two decades ago between 1988 and 1991, during his presidency.

According to the Seoul Central District Court, Roh said in the written complaint that he planned to take away his hidden assets from them to pay the 52 billion ($52 million) won fine imposed on him for corruption.

A refrigeration warehouse firm named Aurora CS in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, valued at 100 billion won, was allegedly established with Roh's slush fund.

If he wins the court case, he will have a 50 billion won surplus after paying the fine.

Prosecutors are now investigating the case involving Roh's brother, Jae-woo, and his nephew, Ho-jun, who allegedly hoarded some of Roh's slush funds.

In 1996, the Supreme Court ruled that the former president should pay a 262.9 billion won fine for corruption and about 80 percent of the fine has been collected through Roh's bank accounts, while 52 billion won remains outstanding.