Controversial Aide Plans Foreign Trip

Kwon Roh-kap, a ruling party kingmaker, will reportedly leave the country soon for an extended stay. "Mr. Kwon will leave for Southeast Asia on June 17 and briefly return to Korea toward the end of the month before leaving for Hawaii in early July," said a close aide.

Mr. Kwon, who holds no government post, has been the target of criticism from junior Millennium Democratic Party lawmakers for his alleged behind-the-scenes role in nominations for senior government positions. The junior lawmakers also want Mr. Kwon's private office in Mapo, Seoul, to be closed, alleging that it is a proverbial smoke-filled room where secret deals are made. Mr. Kwon's aides refused to link his trip to the spat, saying the trip was in connection with a commemoration of Korean emigration.