By Kim Yon-se
Staff Reporter
President Roh Moo-hyun has delayed the acceptance of the resignation tendered by Cultural Heritage Administrator You Hong-june to take responsibility for the fire that gutted National Treasure No. 1 ― Sungnyemun.
``Roh will accept the resignation on Feb. 22, the last working day of the incumbent administration,'' presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon said Wednesday. Roh's term expires on Feb. 25.
The Grand National Party (GNP), meanwhile, is considering filing a complaint against You with the prosecution for allegedly receiving kickbacks.
``We believe the fact that a public official received bribes from private companies for his overseas trip will prove his guilt,'' GNP floor leader Ahn Sang-soo said. ``We will thoroughly review the allegation.''
Ahn hinted at a legal step, saying, ``To promote integrity of public officials, it is necessary to refer the case to the prosecution.''
You tendered his resignation to President Roh Moo-hyun Tuesday to take responsibility for the fire that gutted National Treasure No. 1 ― Sungnyemun.
Cheon said that Cheong Wa Dae is still looking into the case ― whether to accept You's resignation.
You has been accused of neglecting the security of cultural assets. Moreover, he was on an overseas junket when the arson attack on Sungnyemun occurred Sunday.
Civic groups criticize You for allegedly enjoying bribes amounting to 10 million won from Korean Air for the trip to Europe he took with his wife earlier this month.
Sungnyemun is one of the four gates in the wall that surrounded the capital during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).