Ex-DUP lawmaker summoned over nomination scandal

A former lawmaker of the main opposition party appeared before prosecutors on Tuesday morning for questioning over her alleged implication in a money-for-nomination scandal prior to April's parliamentary election.

Jang Hyang-sook is suspected of accepting a total of 70 million ($62,853) in bribes from Rep. Choi Dong-ik of the Democratic United Party (DUP) early this year in return for securing him a spot on the proportional representation ticket, according to prosecutors.

The 54-year-old Jang worked as a legislator of the same party from 2004 to 2008.

Choi allegedly accompanied a man surnamed Kang when giving the money to the former lawmaker, prosecutors said.

"I do not admit (the charges against me)," Jang told reporters as she entered the prosecutors' office in the southern port city of Busan at around 10 a.m.

Charges against Jang include receiving 33 million won early this year from another lawmaker hopeful, surnamed Kwon, who also allegedly asked for her help in securing a spot on the proportional representation ticket.

Jang has maintained her innocence, saying she never received any money from Kwon and that 70 million won she accepted from Kang was a personal loan. (Yonhap)