Minister Song asked to return his profits

A high-ranking official at Cheong Wa Dae expressed hope Friday that Education Minister Song Ja would return profits acquired from his sales of Samsung Electronics shares to society as soon as possible, although the minister promised to do so at an appropriate time. He said that whether his activity was illegal or not, Song`s involvement in the controversy over his windfall is not desirable as he holds a public post.

The official suggested that Song`s gains from the stock sales be contributed to the establishment of a scholarship foundation or used for other educational purposes such as helping needy students.

Meanwhile, Rep. Park Sang-Hee of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party will have to resign from the chairmanship of the Korean Federation of Small and Medium Businesses at the earliest possible date, as he promised publicly to do so. Although Rep. Park said that he would quit the post after he participates in an international conference of small businesses in October, he may well resign quickly if the global meeting can proceed without his attendance.