Ruling party chief hints at parliamentary probe into savings bank scandal

SEOUL, May 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's ruling party chief said Friday he believes a parliamentary probe should be launched, if necessary, to look into the snowballing savings bank corruption scandal after fresh allegations surfaced that an official at the top state auditor took bribes in exchange for his influence.
The official, Eun Jin-soo, who had served as legal adviser on President Lee Myung-bak's transition team, offered to resign as a top member of the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) Thursday following suspicions that he received bribes from Busan Savings Bank as it sought his influence.
Lee immediately accepted the resignation in a move demonstrating his determination to deal sternly with anybody involved in the scandal, officials said. The scandal has dealt a blow to Lee's "fair society" campaign as well as efforts to strengthen his image as a leader who cares for ordinary people.
On Friday, GNP floor leader Hwang Woo-yeo, who is serving as acting party chief, hinted at the possibility of launching a parliamentary probe into the scandal. The remark illustrates how seriously he considers the scandal that comes at a time when the party is trying to win back public support after last month's humiliating election defeat.
"Once the ongoing probe is completed, I think a parliamentary probe should be conducted if necessary," Hwang said at a meeting of key party officials. "The people are concerned as surprising suspicions surfaced that a sitting member of the Board of the Audit and Inspection was involved."
Hwang called for a thorough probe, saying the BAI needs to restore people's trust.
The scandal has been a top political and social issue in South Korea for months.
The chief and other large shareholders and executives at Busan Savings Bank were found to have taken out billions of dollars in illegal loans from the institution and engaged in other irregularities involving billions more.
Officials from Busan and other ailing savings banks have also been accused of tipping off their employees' relatives and VIP customers about their impending suspension in February so as to help them withdraw their deposits in advance and avoid damage from suspension.
jschang@yna.co.kr
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