SKorean President Apologizes for Bribery Scandal

(AP) SKorean president apologizes for bribery scandal
SEOUL, South Korea
South Korea’s president has apologized for a bribery scandal involving his brother and a former aide.

Lee Myung-bak bowed deeply in a televised speech Tuesday and said he is embarrassed and frustrated by the scandal.

Lee’s brother was arrested earlier this month for allegedly accepting half a million dollars from two detained bankers with the intention of using his influence to help them avoid punishment. Prosecutors are also investigating a former aide suspected of receiving money from one of the bankers.

The scandal is a major embarrassment for the ruling party ahead of a presidential election in December.

Lee’s single, five-year term ends early next year.