SEOUL, Jan 23: A South Korean presidential candidate accused of forging a picture of himself posing with US President George Bush was arrested on Wednesday for alleged election misconduct, state prosecutors said.

Huh Kyung-Young, known as a maverick in South Korean politics, is suspected of faking the picture to win support in last month's polls, they said.

“I am the victim of political suppression,” Huh told reporters before he was taken away.

The picture shows Huh and Bush in black suits and bow ties and was allegedly taken at Mr Bush’s 2001 inauguration ceremony. Huh has produced a White House invitation letter and reception card as evidence.

The arrest is just the latest blow for the 59-year-old, who is also facing a libel action over his claims of a relationship with the daughter of late President Park Chung-Hee.

Huh finished seventh among 10 candidates with 0.4 per cent of the vote after making eccentric pledges such as promising 100 million won (104,384 dollars) to every newly-wed couple.—AFP