SK prosecutors seek arrest for president’s friend
Print Edition
SOUTH Korean prosecutors yesterday requested an arrest warrant for a longtime friend of President Park Geun-hye over allegations of influence-peddling and other activities that have triggered a scandal threatening Park’s leadership.
Some opposition politicians have called for Park’s resignation, with the latest surveys putting her approval rating at about 10 percent, the lowest since her inauguration in February 2013. About half of respondents think she should resign or be impeached by the National Assembly.
Park acknowledged last week that Choi Soon-sil had edited some of her speeches and provided public relations help, despite having no official government position. South Korean media speculate Choi likely had access to sensitive information and played a much larger role in government affairs.
Yesterday, a Seoul prosecutors’ office asked the Seoul Central District Court to approve an arrest warrant. Court spokesman Shin Jae-hwan said the court will likely determine whether to approve the arrest warrant by tomorrow morning and that Choi will remain in detention until then.
Prosecutors accused Choi of abuse of authority and attempted fraud when they requested her arrest warrant, Shin said.
South Korean media have reported allegations that Choi, 60, pulled government strings and pushed businesses to donate to two foundations she controlled to obtain money for her personal use and for Park’s post-retirement activities.
According to media reports, some documents transferred to Choi included secret military talks with North Korea and that she also got daily official reports and made policy suggestions. One TV station aired footage showing Choi picking up the clothes Park would wear.
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