S. Korean Leader’s Ex-Aide Pleads Guilty to Bribery

A former top aide to South Korean President Kim Young Sam pleaded guilty to bribery charges in a Seoul courtroom Tuesday, bringing a swift end to testimony in his trial and avoiding the publicity of a long court battle.

Chang Hak Ro, 46, a longtime aide who until his arrest last month handled Kim’s personal affairs, admitted taking the equivalent of about $900,000 in bribes, promising in return such favors as helping businesses get bank loans. He also confirmed that he had accepted an additional $2.7 million in donations and gifts that prosecutors did not consider bribes.

Appearing with Chang were his common-law wife, Kim Mi Ja, and her brother, Kim E Ryung, who both pleaded guilty to charges of investing Chang’s illegally acquired funds in real estate.

Chang’s arrest seriously tarnished President Kim’s reformist image by linking a member of his inner circle with the kinds of corrupt practices for which former presidents Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo are now on trial.

When the scandal erupted three weeks before key legislative elections, Kim moved swiftly to contain the damage by releasing a statement that he was enraged by Chang’s behavior and by calling for prosecutors to conduct a thorough investigation.

Little new information emerged at the trial, however. Questioning by prosecutors, defense attorneys and the presiding judge, as well as the testimony of the defendants, was all completed in 30 minutes. The defendants spoke in low, almost inaudible voices, saying little more than “yes” when prosecutors asked if accusations were true.

At one point, presiding Judge Park Tae Dong asked Chang, “Exactly what favors did you do?”

“It was as mentioned in the prosecution paper,” Chang replied.

Among the businesses from which Chang admitted accepting money were the Hyosung Group, one of South Korea’s large conglomerates, and the Jinro Distribution Co., a member of the Jinro Group.

Park said the prosecution could make its sentencing request at the next court session, set for May 21. Chang could face 10 years or more in prison, but he appeared to be hoping for leniency.

Chang announced last week through his lawyers that he was donating $1.6 million to social organizations. In court Tuesday, he expressed repentance for his actions and a desire to move to the countryside after serving his sentence.

Chi Jung Nam of The Times’ Seoul Bureau contributed to this report.