Tax chief offers to resign amid bribery scandal

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's tax chief has expressed his intention to
resign from the post, his spokesperson said Friday, amid allegations that he
offered bribes in return for career favors.
Han Sang-ryule, the head of the National Tax Service (NTS), is suspected of
giving a high-priced painting to the wife of his predecessor, Jeon Goon-pyo, in
early 2007 with the aim of receiving a promotion. He has denied the allegation.
"He officially expressed his intention to resign Thursday night to the
presidential office," NTS spokesman Kim Kyung-su told reporters.
The tax chief was appointed under then President Roh Moo-hyun in November 2007
and retained his post after incumbent President Lee Myung-bak was inaugurated
early last year.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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