Scandal Edges Closer to S. Korea President After Aide’s Arrest

A top South Korean presidential aide was arrested Saturday on charges of influence peddling, a prosecutor said, bringing a national corruption scandal closer to President Kim Young Sam.

The prosecutor said Chang Hak Ro--who handled Kim’s personal affairs and has been loyal to the president since his days in opposition--was in custody, accused of illegally taking $178,000. Chang is accused of taking the money from three companies in return for favors between September 1993 and December 1995, the prosecutor said. Kim took office in February 1993.

The presidential aide was taken to the detention center where former President Roh Tae Woo is being held on charges of bribery.

It is the first time that Kim’s inner circle has been touched by charges similar to those that have put Roh and another ex-president, Chun Doo Hwan, on trial.

Kim has repeatedly fended off allegations that he enriched himself illegally after taking office, although he has admitted accepting unspecified help from supporters for his 1992 election campaign.

Kim was officially said to be enraged when allegations of impropriety by one of his trusted lieutenants surfaced Thursday.

The main opposition National Congress for New Politics alleged that Chang built up a hidden fortune of $4.7 million, which he funneled into property under the names of his girlfriend and her brothers.

Kim moved swiftly to limit any damage the scandal may cause to his ruling New Korea Party before general elections April 11. Within hours of the opposition allegation, he ordered prosecutors to investigate Chang thoroughly.

Chang immediately resigned.