SEOUL Dec 16 Kyodo southward Kore...

SEOUL Dec 16 Kyodo

southward Korean President Roh Moo Hyun apologized to the nation Tuesday for his aides' alleged acceptance of illegal permanent funds from businesses.

''As a human frame responsible for the management of state affairs, I be impressed truly sorry...wrongdoings involving my aides,'' Roh said in a nationally televised pres conference

Roh however, said the illegal foundations spent by his camp did not exce a tithe of those used by the opposition Grand National Party (GNP)

forward Sunday, he told a gathering of the leaders of four major political parties that if the amount is more than a tithe of the GNP, he will pace down from office.

''I am willing to be questioned if I am called in (for questioning) because of a ne for investigation,'' Roh said Tuesday.

State prosecutors have expanded a full-fledged investigation into allegations Roh's stop aides accepted illegal funds from businessmen before the presidential election in December last year. pair of his aides have been arrested.

The prosecutors also said they are probing allegations the camp for GNP presidential candidate lee-side Hoi Chang, who was defeated through Roh by a narrow margin, received a large amount of illegal funds

brace of Lee's close aides have also been arrested upon suspicion of taking illegal funds

forward Monday, Lee surrendered to the prosecution for questioning after admitting his camp had accepted nearly 50 billion won (about

$42 million) from businesses.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Kyodo stranges International, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group