By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
Prosecutors apprehended a cousin of first lady Kim Yoon-ok Thursday on charges of taking bribes.
They are questioning the cousin, Kim Ok-hee, 74, over the allegation that she took money from the head of a bus operators' association ahead of the April general election saying she would help him win a ticket of the ruling Grand National Party.
A broker received 3 billion won from the association chief and gave part of it to the cousin, according to the prosecution. Prosecutors sought an arrest warrant for the broker.
Prosecutors questioned her over how the two got the money, how much she took from the 3 billion won, and what she spent it on. They are also looking into whether she actually tried to influence the election candidate nomination.
Cheong Wa Dae expressed regret over the case. An official said, ``Anybody who breaks the law will be punished according to the law and principles. The presidential office will strengthen its inspection of the President's relatives,'' adding the first lady was not involved.
The opposition Democratic Party denounced President Lee Myung-bak and the first lady, saying this was ``the day when corruption involving the President's relatives was revived.''