South Korea's Vice Defense Minister Yoo Hyo-il offered to resign Wednesday amid a growing controversy over his role in the brutal activities of a former military-backed regime.

Yoo Hyo-il expressed his intention to quit to Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung earlier this week and the later subsequently reported it to President Roh Moo-hyun, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

"The vice defense minister said he hopes the investigation intopast controversial activities by the military can be conducted (ina transparent manner) that contributes to the military gaining the public's confidence," it said.