PM Designate Apologizes

Prime Minister designate Chang Dae-whan made an apology to the public in a statement for a number of suspicions around him yesterday, a day before the National Assembly confirmation hearing for his appointment as Prime Minister.

Kim Deok-bong, Chang`s chief aide, read the statement on behalf of Chang. Chang said in the statement, "I feel sorry for my failure to pay the tax for the acquisition of the lands in Kimje, North Cholla Province and Tangjin, South Chungchong Province I received from my mother-in-law."

The Prime Minister`s Office said that when reporting the list of Chang`s assets, some of his assets worth 971 million won including real estate and stocks were omitted. Kim said that the omission is a simple administrative mistake made because of the short preparation time."

Premier designate Chang also said, "The confirmation hearing has great significance in that it would provide an opportunity to promote the stability in running state affairs and enhance the nation`s credibility in this rapid-changing international environment. I apologize my past wrongdoing and will never shun the responsibility."

After Rep. Uhm Ho-sung of the Grand National Party raised a suspicion of omitting some of Chang`s assets in reporting his asset list on the 24th, the Prime Minister`s Office said that it failed to report about 409 million won in stocks and bank deposits and 525 million won in leasing feels for buildings. The office said the total amount of Chang`s assets was 5.569 billion won, 78 million won lower that the initially reported 5.647 billion won.

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com