'I Am Sorry,' Says Erica Kim

(Seoul=Yonhap) Reporter Song Jin-won = "I am sorry. I am sorry. ..."

Erica Kim, a Korean-American lawyer based in Los Angeles, had kept a low profile after canceling a press conference in Los Angeles on Nov. 20, 2007. She finally appeared in public in Korea after three years and four months.

Kim, who exposed suspicion of a scandal involving investment firm BBK, was summoned to the prosecution for the second time on March 9 and was grilled for more than 13 hours before leaving the office.

Kim came down to the lobby of the prosecutor's office in black pants and a long black coat. Kim seemed very tired due to the long investigation.

Kim said nothing but, "I am sorry," even though reporters asked her why she suddenly flew into Korea from the United States.

Kim only walked about 100 meters from the lobby to a parked car with her head down the entire time.

Kim did not say anything about meeting her brother, Kim Kyung-joon, again for a cross-examination.

Asked about how she felt, Kim only said, "I am sorry."

Earlier, on Feb. 26 and 27, the prosecution summoned and investigated Kim, who suddenly flew into Korea on Feb. 25. Kim stated in an earlier investigation that it was a lie for her to claim that the real owner of BBK was the then-presidential hopeful of the Grand National Party, Lee Myung-bak, and it was her brother Kyung-joon who embezzled money. She also said during that investigation that she was not involved in the embezzlement.

san@yna.co.kr

<Camera, Editing: Lee Jae-ho>

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