The special counsel team looking into corruption scandals involving President Roh's former aides wants more time for investigations. Special Counsel Kim Jin-hong Tuesday announced his plans to ask for the extension of probe by one month.

Kim said he will make the request to Pres. Roh on Friday.

Under the current law, the special counsel can request extension of the investigation period once if it is deemed necessary. The initial two-month investigation period expires on March 5th.

If Pres. Roh grants the request, the investigation would continue until April 4th, two weeks before the general elections.

In announcing the plan for extension of the investigation period, Kim said his team needs more time to further investigate suspects involved in the case and trace their bank accounts.