Prosecutors in South Korea have charged President Kim Dae-jung's youngest son with tax evasion and bribery.

Kim Hong-gul, 38, is accused of receiving 3.5bn won ($2.9m) in exchange for favours.

He is also accused of evading tax on 225m won ($185,000), which he received from a lobbyist.

President Kim's popularity has plummeted

President Kim has not personally been accused of any wrong-doing in the case, but the investigation has dented his image.

His second oldest son, Kim Hong-up, is also under suspicion of influence-peddling.

Kim Hong-gul has apologised publicly for any embarrassment he has caused the presidential family.

If convicted of bribery, he could face up to five years in prison.

The president's youngest son is alleged to have received bribes from lobbyist Choi Kyu-sun to help a lottery operator, Tiger Pools Korea, win a sports lottery licence last year.

History repeats itself

President Kim apologised to the nation for the scandal concerning his sons last month and resigned from his party to concentrate on state affairs.

But the president, who was elected on promises of reform, has seen his popularity plummet.

He is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term in office, but analysts say the series of corruption scandals surrounding his aides, relatives and government officials have damaged the ruling party.

Correspondents say the issue is likely to be seized on by the main opposition party as a major issue in next week's local elections.

Five years ago the youngest son of former President Kim Young-sam was accused of corruption and influence-peddling.

Kim Hyun-chul was later sentenced to two years in prison on charges of taking $6.6bn in bribes, and evading tax.

That scandal, and the ensuing financial crisis, helped Kim Dae-jung win the 1997 presidential election.