Kim Hak-ui, a former vice justice minister, was cleared on Monday of charges of receiving sexual services in return for business favors from a local developer.

Kim is one of a number of high-profile figures who attended a series of banquets hosted by construction businessman Yoon Jung-cheon between 2008 and 2011.

Kim stepped down in March because of the scandal. The prosecution indicted Yoon in July on 10 charges including rape, bribery and narcotics use.

(christory@heraldcorp.com)