Confidante's intervention in state affairs puts S. Korean president in crisis
Updated: 2016-10-31 13:29
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
SEOUL - It is not rare in South Korea to see family members or close aides to presidents involved in corruption scandals as a legacy from rules by military dictators, which lasted for almost three decades to the late 1980s.
But this time it seems a completely strange story even to South Koreans. Choi Soon-sil, a longtime confidante of President Park Geun-hye who allegedly calls Park "sister," is suspected of having pulled strings behind the scenes and intervened in state affairs.
Outraged protesters took to the streets in central Seoul on Saturday night, raising high placards that demand President Park step down or be impeached. Rallies and gatherings are forecast to continue.
Choi unexpectedly returned to Seoul on Sunday after staying abroad for two months and said through her attorney that she will actively comply with prosecutors' investigation and state honestly. Prosecutors summoned her for questioning on Monday.
Her comeback, however, failed to soothe condemnations. Choo Mi-ae, chairwoman of the main opposition Minjoo Party, said on her Facebook page that Choi must be arrested immediately for possible concealment efforts.
Minor Justice Party members visited the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in charge of investigating into the case, calling for an immediate detention of Choi who demanded a day to rest as she is not in a good health condition and feels tired after a long flight.
- Hefty award offered for deciphering oracle bone characters
- China Daily brings you 'sixth plenums' in past 35 years
- Party ramps up supervision
- 400,000 migrant workers flock to Xinjiang to harvest cotton
- China anticipates booming job market in 2016
- Online shopping platform selects cat as 'chief cute officer'
- Asia American leaders discuss civic engagement
- World's disabled get new champion
- Clinton, Michelle Obama make first joint campaign appearance
- Miss Philippines wins 2016 Miss International Beauty Pageant
- Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star destroyed
- Maduro activates Defense Council to seek solution to crisis
- China-Russia Internet Media Forum opens in Guangzhou
- 2016 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards Finalists
- NINED VR creates splash with virtual reality products
- Splendid Sichuan captured in photos
- Chinese baozi shop gains popularity in Harvard Square
- Chinese mariner on record-breaking voyage goes missing
- 2045-square-meter photo mosaic breaks world record
- Red leaves reveal beauty of autumn
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
'Zero Hunger Run' held in Rome
Trump outlines anti-terror plan, proposing extreme vetting for immigrants
Phelps puts spotlight on cupping
US launches airstrikes against IS targets in Libya's Sirte
Ministry slams US-Korean THAAD deployment
Two police officers shot at protest in Dallas
Abe's blame game reveals his policies failing to get results
Ending wildlife trafficking must be policy priority in Asia
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |