Kang Ho-dong, president of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, said on the 11th that he has "no intention of resigning," despite calls for him to step down to take responsibility for being investigated on suspicion of taking a 100 million won bribe and for wasting company funds. Appearing that day for a work report before the National Assembly's Agriculture. Food. Rural Affairs. Oceans. and Fisheries Committee, Kang said, "If there is a legal issue, I will take responsibility."
Jeon Jong-deok of The Progressive Party said to Kang, "The day before, the Nominating Committee at The Farmers' Newspaper selected former National Agricultural Cooperative Federation Vice President Yoo Chan-hyung as the next CEO. Former Vice President Yoo is the closest aide (to Kang) who met with the person who raised the allegation that Kang took a 100 million won bribe and tried to cajole him." Former Vice President Yoo was also searched and seized by police currently investigating Kang's alleged bribe taking.
Jeon said, "Is it normal to make such a personnel move just one day after the government's special audit of NongHyup produced results?" adding, "Kang should resign and step down from the (president) position. Only then will such unjust personnel decisions not occur."
In response, Kang said, "I cannot fully agree with you, Assembly member. If there is a legal issue, I will take responsibility. I am not clinging to the position."
Earlier, on the 9th, the government joint special audit team announced the results of a special audit of NongHyup and asked police to investigate Kang and other NongHyup executives on allegations of embezzlement and bribery.
At the work report that day, Kang said, "We will use the current crisis as an opportunity for complete reform and rebuild NongHyup from the ground up. Regardless of the reason, I sincerely and deeply apologize for causing concern to the public with a series of unfortunate controversies."