CONFIDANTE OF SOUTH’S PARK JAILED

Seoul, Feb. 13: The secret confidante of ousted South Korean president Park Geun- hye was convicted on Tuesday and jailed for 20 years for her key role in the scandal that brought down the former head of state. Choi Soon- sil, who became close to Park through her father, a shadowy religious figure, was vilified at the massive nationwide protests that rocked Asias fourth- largest economy and culminated in Park’s impeachment last year. The Seoul Central District Court found her guilty of abuse of power, bribery and meddling in state affairs. Judge Kim Se- yoon told a packed courtroom that Choi took advantage of “long private ties” with Park to force companies to donate funds to foundations she controlled. She accepted a total of $ 13 million from telecommunications giant Samsung and retail conglomerate Lotte, he said, and “meddled in state affairs widely”. “The guilt of the accused is heavy,” he said, adding that she had shown no repentance. Choi showed no reaction as the sentence was passed.