Former PM ignores prosecutor summons for graft charges

SEOUL, Dec. 11 (Yonhap) -- Former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook on Friday denied charges of receiving tens of thousands of dollars from a businessman in return for business favors, refusing a summons to appear before the prosecution.

Han has been under a prosecutor-led investigation for allegedly receiving
US$50,000 from Kwak Young-wook, the former CEO of Korea Express who is now under
arrest on embezzlement charges. Han allegedly helped Kwak move to the top post of
a state-owned corporation in April 2007.
"I will not tolerate it. I will fight against the investigators who are carrying
out this illegal probe and are attempting a political maneuver," said Han, who
served as prime minister under the Roh Moo-hyun administration from April 2006 to
March 2007, at a press conference. "If they want to reveal the truth, they should
observe due process."
The prosecution has asked Han to present herself for questioning by Friday over
suspicions that she exerted undue influence to help Kwak.
Investigators said they are considering issuing a second summons.
brk@yna.co.kr
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