Tycoon backs charges against ousted South Korea president

SEOUL — A top South Korean business tycoon on Thursday in court backed prosecutors’ allegations that the ousted South Korean president Park Geun-Hye solicited bribes from businesses in return for policy favors.

Chey Tae-Won, chairman of SK, the country’s second largest conglomerate after Samsung, became the first business mogul who took the stand at what is being dubbed in South Korea “the trial of the century.”

Mr. Chey was one of seven tycoons that Ms. Park held confidential meetings with in February last year.

She denies the allegations, arguing companies made voluntary donations to two foundations she said were aimed to help develop sports and culture.

Mr. Chey admitted in court that he had sought government approval for a merger and acquisition project, a license for duty free shop and the early release of his brother who was in jail for embezzlement when he met Ms. Park near the presidential Blue House.

One of Ms. Park’s top aides, Ahn Jong- Beom, now arrested, asked SK to donate an additional 8.9 billion won ($7.8 million) to one of two foundations allegedly controlled by Choi Soon- Sil, a confidante of the impeached expresident.

SK, which had already donated 11.1 billion won to Ms. Choi’s foundations, rejected the request and its request for policy favors was declined.

“Is it true that the accused Park Geun-Hye expressed gratitude over the 11.1 billion won SK had donated and asked for continuous cooperation (for the two foundations)?” prosecutor Lee Won- Seok asked. “Yes,” Mr. Chey replied. Ms. Park was silent as Mr. Chey was questioned. Ms. Choi was also in court. Both women are in jail and on trial for allegedly accepting or seeking millions of dollars in bribes from the country’s huge conglomerates, including Samsung.

If convicted of bribery, Ms. Park faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in jail, and a maximum of life. — AFP