President Roh Was Briefed on Bribery Allegations involving MDP Head

President Roh Moo-hyun, who just returned from his state visit to China, was briefed on allegations that ruling Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) chairman Chyung Dai-chul took bribes from Good Morning City by presidential chief of staff Moon Hee-sang at Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday afternoon.

Mr. Moon is said to have reported on the impact of the kickback allegations on the current political situation and the creation of a new party and countermeasures. As there are voices calling on the chairman to step down from within Cheong Wa Dae and the ruling camp, eyes are on his course of action.

However, the MDP chairman flatly denied the bribery scandal, saying that he had only received 200 million won in financial support from Good Morning City, which is legal.

The MDP chairman is considering meeting with the president to explain about this, regardless of whether it is true or not, a close aide to the MDP chairman said.

Seung-Mo Yoon ysmo@donga.com