Brother of Korea’s Ex-President Questioned in Theft of Millions

The brother of former President Chun Doo Hwan was questioned by prosecutors today about the theft of millions of dollars, and one of his associates attempted to kill himself while being interrogated.

Chun Kyung Hwan was summoned by prosecutors to answer charges he used his position as head of the semi-official Saemaul development movement to amass a fortune in cash, land and stocks.

“I am sorry to the people,” the grim looking Chun said as he arrived at the Prosecutor General’s office in central Seoul. A man rushed out of the crowd, slapped Chun’s face and yelled, “You rascal!” before fleeing.

A top Saemaul official, Hwang Hung Sik, tried to leap from a fifth-floor window of a hospital where he was taken after he slammed his head against a wall and bit his tongue during questioning, officials said. He was overpowered before he could jump.

Officials said Hwang, who was in fair condition, wrote a suicide note before trying to jump, saying: “Please find a way for me to end my life peacefully after apologizing to all the people.”

Hwang is alleged to have kept secret ledgers detailing the embezzlement of at least $14 million.

Prosecutors say they have evidence that Chun Kyung Hwan and other top officials embezzled government and private subsidies, peddled influence and fixed illegal business deals. Prosecutors say Chun embezzled at least $9.3 million in cash.