Cha Eun-taek Arrested

[Anchor Lead]

Cha Eun-taek, an advertisement director and close aide of Choi Soon-sil, has been arrested upon his arrival in Korea on November 8 on the charges of exerting undue influence. Here’s more in our first story.

[Pkg]

Cha Eun-taek, one of Choi Soon-sil'sconfidantes who had been staying inChina arrived at Incheon International Airport on November 8. Cha was taken under arrest right at the airport on the charges of exertingundue influence.

[Soundbite] Cha Eun-taek(Advertisement Director) : "I apologize deeply. I am sorry for causingdisturbance to many people. I sincerely regret it."

Cha said he used to work with the nowarrested former presidential aideAhn Jong-beom and knows him only briefly. However, he denied that he knowsformer presidential senior secretary Woo Byung-woo personally. Cha gave only a brief comment on his ties with President.

[Soundbite] Cha Eun-taek(Advertisement Director) : "(Have you met the president?) I've seen her at official events on several occasions."

[Soundbite] "(Have you met with her personally?) No, never."

Cha bowed his head several times and had tears in his eyes.

[Soundbite] Cha Eun-taek(Advertisement Director) : "I have never met with the president one on one.Never. I'm sorry."

Cha, who was transported to theprosecutors' office from the airport,only kept saying that he would clarifyhis relations with Choi Soon-sil during his interrogation.

[Soundbite] Cha Eun-taek(Advertisement Director) : "I will honestly answer all of the prosecutors' questions."

Cha apologized repeatedly on his way to the investigation room where he wasescorted by investigators.