Ruling Party Lawmaker Arrested Over Corruption Scandal

A ruling party lawmaker was formally arrested by prosecutors Thursday over allegations of receiving kickbacks in relation to the ongoing construction of a skyscraper in the southern city of Busan.

The Busan District Prosecutors' Office on Monday sought a warrant against Rep. Bae Duk-kwang of the Saenuri Party on charges of receiving bribes and violating the law governing political funds.

After holding a hearing to decide the legality of his detention Wednesday, the Busan District Court issued the warrant early Thursday, acknowledging the necessity.

The 68-year-old lawmaker is suspected of receiving over 30 million won ($25,800) in bribes from local businessman Lee Young-bok in return for promising favors over a 101-story building under construction in South Korea's second-largest city.

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