The elder brother of South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak appeared before state prosecutors Tuesday to be questioned about a savings bank corruption scandal.
Lee Sang-Deuk, a former six-times lawmaker, has not been charged in relation to the influence-peddling affair, in which operators of troubled savings banks allegedly bribed powerful figures for protection.
“My heart aches,” a grim-looking Lee, 76, told journalists. “I’ll be sincere in responding to all questions.”
Several influential figures close to the presidency have been arrested or jailed in previous corruption cases, in a blow to the credibility of Lee’s conservative administration.
He is constitutionally barred from a second five-year term and stands down next February.
Lee’s three presidential predecessors — Roo Moo-Hyun, Kim Dae-Jung and Kim Young-Sam — were tarnished by the wrongdoing of close relatives.
