A statement from his office confirmed the arrest but noted that it had taken place without him being charged or indicted and that he had been taken immediately to prison.

Kim, 72, wearing a white mask, dark overcoat and a navy-blue cap, was shown on TV surrounded by reporters and being escorted to a car, and driven away to detention facilities in Seoul.

Kim had been in hospital since the middle of January with dizziness and hypertension. He resigned Jan. 9 from key posts, including his seat in Parliament.

He has been under investigation for alleged bribery and corruption in connection with his leadership of the National Olympic Committee and the world tae kwon do federation.

The IOC's executive board suspended Kim on Jan. 23, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 7, 2004
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