South Korea’s Park denies involvement in corruption scandal

SEOUL: South Korea’s impeached President Park Geun-Hye yesterday repeated denials of involvement in a snowballing corruption scandal and said rumours have been ‘getting out of hand’, Yonhap news agency reported.

“Rumours, stories and broadcasts have been distorted and false information has been getting out of hand,” she was quoted as telling reporters at the presidential Blue House.

Parliament voted on December 9 to impeach Park over the scandal. She is accused of colluding with close friend Choi Soon- Sil to strong- arm big companies into handing over tens of millions of dollars to dubious foundations which Choi controlled.

Choi is now on trial for coercion and abuse of power, largely related to the corporate funding of the two foundations which she allegedly plundered.

The impeachment case is being considered by the Constitutional Court — which has up to six months to reach a ruling — but hundreds of thousands of South Koreans have joined weekly protests calling for Park’s immediate departure from office.

If the impeachment is confirmed, a presidential election will have to be held within 60 days.

Park also allegedly ordered aides to leak state documents to Choi, who has no official title or security clearance, and allowed her to meddle in state affairs including the appointment of top officials.

Since the scandal came to light, Park had apologised several times for her conduct in tearful televised addresses. She admitted seeking advice from Choi on some presidential speeches and PR material at the beginning of her term in 2013.

Media reports have depicted Choi as having a “Rasputin-like” influence over Park, saying she controlled everything from the president’s wardrobe to crucial decisions on state affairs — allegations denied by Park.

“I have known Choi for decades. But that doesn’t mean that she has access to everything,” Yonhap quoted Park as saying, citing her “duties as president.”

Park’s rare meeting with reporters was her first public appearance since she was suspended from executive duties. The country has a temporary leader, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn.

The constitutional court’s first hearing on the impeachment is scheduled for Tuesday. — AFP