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Cheong Wa Dae Apologizes for Sex Trade

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By Na Jeong-ju

Staff Reporter

Cheong Wa Dae Chief of Staff Chung Chung-kil offered a public apology, Wednesday, over allegations that two presidential staff members were wined and dined by businessmen seeking favors and had sex with prostitutes.

``I apologize to the public for the recent stir over their inappropriate behavior,'' Chung said in a statement. ``I feel great responsibility for their lack of discipline and will request a through investigation. Such a thing will never happen again.''

An initial investigation discovered that the two and a Korea Communications Commission (KCC) official were in a bar in Seogyo-dong in western Seoul as guests of an executive at T-Broad, a cable TV network. The firm is awaiting approval from the KCC for a merger with another cable network operator.

Later, they allegedly slept with the bar girls after they drank together in a nearby motel. T-Broad allegedly spent 1.8 million won ($1,290) on the entertainment.

They were apprehended by police officers on duty in the area. The two have resigned and a KCC official is facing disciplinary measures.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr