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South Korean President quits his ruling party

South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung has quit his ruling party and made a new public apology as anger mounts nationwide over alleged corruption by his sons and aides.

This marked Kim's second public apology since he stood down as leader of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party in November last year in a bid to ease public discontent.

The president founded the MDP and turned it into his personal political force before the 1997 presidential election.

Mark Simkin reports.

Kim Dae Jung will stay on as the country's President but he's officially left the ruling Millenium Democratic Party. In a statement he offered his sincerest apologies for the alleged involvement of his sons and close aides in a series of money scandals. I am at a loss for words as I face the social controversy and public blame, the President wrote. Kim's decision is seen as an attempt to distant himself from Party politics and to concentrate on hosting the soccer world cup. Presidential elections will be held in December.

06/05/2002 23:06:29 | ABC Radio Australia News

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