Grandson of former president Chun Doo Hwan arrested at Incheon airport

Chun Woo-won, grandson of former president Chun Doo Hwan, is arrested by police at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday morning. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Police arrested Chun Woo-won, grandson of former president Chun Doo Hwan, upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday over alleged illegal drug use.

Chun was detained by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency authorities when he arrived at the airport at 6 a.m. from New York.

"I want to thank the people of Korea for giving me a chance to apologize," Chun said in an interview with press at the airport, adding that he is sorry for making a fuss. He pledged to pay visits to families of the May 18 Democratization Movement victims.

When asked why he wants to apologize, the ex-president's grandson said it's because he's a "sinner."

"All lives are precious — but since they're not here anymore, I have sinned," Chun said.

Chun said Sunday that he would return to Korea and visit Gwanju to offer apologies to the victims of the military crackdown of the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju.

He added that he made clear in his live broadcast that he's a drug user, and U.S. hospital records will prove the drug use as well.

Chun was taken away by the police when reporters began asking detailed questions about the alleged crimes of his family that he had previously raised.

Earlier this month, he drew headlines for posting photos and videos of his family and acquaintances on social media, accusing them of committing multiple crimes. Chun had been hospitalized for a week from March 16 after passing out while livestreaming a video of himself taking what he claimed to be drugs.

BY SOHN DONG-JOO [sohn.dongjoo@joongang.co.kr]