After a monthlong investigation that has gripped the nation, former President Roh Tae-woo was arrested Thursday on charges of accepting multimillion-dollar bribes from South Korea's leading businesses.
Two court officials escorted the 62-year-old Roh from his home to a waiting car for the ride to a detention center south of Seoul. Looking grim and fighting to maintain his composure, Roh said he was ready for "any punishment."The arrest marks the first time a former South Korean president has faced legal action for deeds committed while in office.
Prosecutors took the unprecedented step to avoid "the danger of the accused destroying evidence," according to the arrest warrant approved by a judge Thursday.
Roh admitted in a nationally televised address late last month that he amassed a $650 million political slush fund during his 1988-93 term, and left office with $230 million in secret bank accounts.
The scandal has also drawn in the nation's biggest conglomerates and threatens to topple top politicians - both from the governing party and the opposition - whom many suspect of receiving campaign money from the fund.
Roh said Thursday he felt sorry for businessmen who were grilled by prosecutors about the scandal, and urged South Korean politicians to stop factional fighting and cooperate to build a new political culture.
"To our people, I'm really sorry," Roh said. "I'm ready for any punishment, taking the sole responsibility for this incident."
There were no protesters in sight as Roh's three-car motorcade sped through the evening rush-hour to the detention house. Thousands of police were deployed along the route to prevent mobs from forming.
Many civic groups have demonstrated in recent weeks to demand harsh punishment for Roh, a former army general. If charged and convicted of corruption, he could face 10 years to life in prison.
Roh's arrest and trip to jail were broadcast live on all three TV networks.
Roh was summoned Wednesday for his second round of questioning in a little more than two weeks. After 20 hours of interrogation, prosecutors said they would ask a judge to issue an arrest warrant.
The five-page warrant approved by senior judge Kim Jong-ho charges Roh with two counts of accepting bribes: $31 million from the Daewoo group in return for a major submarine depot and $300 million from 30 top companies.