Pro-Lee legislator grilled over bank scandal

A ruling party lawmaker close to President Lee Myung-bak appeared before prosecutors on Thursday to be questioned about a savings bank graft scandal.

Chung Doo-un, a three-term lawmaker from the Saenuri Party, is suspected of receiving a huge amount of money from the now suspended Solomon Savings Bank in 2007 before that year's presidential election.

In response to reporters' questions about the charges, Chung said, "They will be sufficiently explained (during the questioning)."

Lim Suk, the chairman of Solomon Savings Bank, allegedly bribed influential politicians and government officials to keep his ailing bank afloat. The bank had its business suspended in May due to a lack of capital and illegal business practices, while Lim was arrested and later indicted.

The 55-year-old politician was the top strategy aide to President Lee while he was running for the presidency. Chung also served as a member of the Supreme Council for the ruling party from 2010 to 2011.

His summons came two days after Lee's older brother and former lawmaker Lee Sang-deuk was questioned over allegations that he had taken nearly 600 million won (US$528,169) from two troubled savings banks, including Solomon, since 2007.

Chung is also suspected of having introduced Solomon Chairman Lim to the elder Lee and being present when Lee allegedly took part of the money.

The recent summonses have been a humiliating blow to President Lee during his final months in office.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have reportedly secured statements from the elder Lee and the chairman of Mirae Savings Bank, who reportedly lobbied him, that Kim Deog-ryong, formerly a five-term lawmaker, introduced them to each other.

But prosecutors said they are not planning to summon Kim for now because the mere introduction does not constitute a crime.

Kim was one of the six key senior mentors known to have helped President Lee to win the presidency. (Yonhap)