Presidential staffer quits amid bribery allegation

By Na Jeong-ju

The head of a Cheong Wa Dae team that investigates possible ethical violations by presidential aides tendered his resignation Monday for his alleged involvement in a high-profile graft scandal that is shaking the political community.

The presidential office said the resignation of Bae Geon-ki, an official from the Office of the Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs, was based on his own decision not to be a burden to his colleagues and to “prove innocence.”

The prosecution has traced his bank accounts after securing testimony from a jailed restaurant owner that he gave money to Bae in 2009 to seek his influence in expanding his businesses.

Former National Police Agency Commissioner General Kang Hee-rak and former Korea Coast Guard Commissioner General Lee Gil-bum are also now under investigation for taking bribes from the restaurant owner, Yu Sang-bong, 65.

Bae told investigators that he once met with Yu, but never accepted money from him.

The prosecution is widening the investigation based on information that he had maintained close relationships with a number of senior officials and ranking officers.

And there is one question: Was Bae the only presidential staffer who received money from the businessman, if the testimony is true?

“It is purely an individual case, not about the entire Cheong Wa Dae staff,” a presidential aide said. “It’s too early to talk about a case that is now still being investigated. We are also waiting for the outcome.”

Bae, a former police officer, entered the presidential office in early 2008 following the inauguration of President Lee Myung-bak. He provided security services for Lee during his presidential campaign.

Yu is suspected of having bribed officials to win lucrative rights to operate makeshift cafeterias serving workers at construction sites, known as “hambas.” He had at least four false names and used six different name cards and 13 different cell phone numbers while conducting business.