Korean president Roh Moo-hyun recently shunned allegations that his nephew was linked to a controversy over a popular game machine business, as opposition forces geared up to thrust the scandal against the ruling camp. "There is no need to worry. There is absolutely no connection between my nephew and (the scandal)," Roh told ruling party lawmakers over luncheon yesterday.
Controversy has been growing over the fact that Roh's relative Roh Ji-won served as an executive of Woojyun Systec when it was taken over by Ziko Prime, the distributor of game machine, "The Sea Story," in May 2006.
Opposition forces claim Ji-won was the recipient of certain favors during the merger process that left both companies with handsome profits. There is also speculation that some ruling lawmakers wielded influence in order to approve the game for business in 2004.
The allegations came amid prosecutors' nationwide crackdown against illegal gambling that goes on in game parlors. The nationwide investigation is to continue through October. Prosecutors yesterday arrested the heads of Aone Biz, and Ziko Prime, along with 11 other representatives of game businesses suspected of being illegal.
Story with thanks to Parvinder Singh and
Korea Herald
