South Korean Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo offered to resign Tuesday after becoming caught up in a bribery scandal.
Prime Minister Lee has faced allegations he accepted illegal funds from a businessman who committed suicide earlier this month.
Just before his death, the businessman, Sung Wan-jong, told local media he had bribed several top government officials, including Lee.
Sung was found hanging from a tree in Seoul. In his pocket was a list containing the names of eight officials who allegedly received the illegal funds.
Most of the officials, including Lee, are thought to be close allies of President Park Geun-hye.
The prime minister has repeatedly denied accepting the $27,000 in bribes, even telling reporters if this were the case he would "lay down" his life.
Park, who is on a trip to Latin America, has yet to decide whether to accept the resignation of the prime minister.
"I find it regrettable. I also feel sympathy for the agony of the prime minister," she said in a statement, adding a thorough investigation should be conducted.
The president has had repeated difficulties with her picks for prime minister, which is a largely ceremonial position in South Korea.
Several of her prime ministerial nominees and other cabinet member picks have had to withdraw after questions were raised about their past behavior.
