26 December

A court in South Korea has begun considering whether to issue an arrest warrant for former Justice Minister Cho Kuk.

Local media say the outcome is expected to be announced late on Thursday.

On Monday, prosecutors requested a warrant to arrest Cho on charges of abuse of power over an investigation into a bribery scandal involving a former vice mayor of Busan.

The presidential office is suspected of having terminated the investigation illegally.

Cho was head of the presidential office's civil affairs division, which oversees probes into corruption cases.

Cho spoke to reporters before attending a court hearing.

Cho said he does not agree with the content of the writ filed by prosecutors, and that he will explain his stance at the hearing.

He added he hopes that a judgment will be made based on legal principles.

If Cho is arrested, it is expected to deal a further blow to the administration of President Moon Jae-in.

NHK