Korean leader questioned on ferry disaster

SOUTH Korea’s scandal-hit president was asked yesterday to clarify the mystery of her whereabouts at the time of a disastrous 2014 ferry sinking as the Constitutional Court opened her impeachment hearing.

Parliament voted to impeach Park Geun- Hye earlier this month over a corruption scandal in which she allegedly colluded with a friend to strong-arm donations from large conglomerates to two dubious foundations.

She is also accused of ordering aides to leak state documents to her friend Choi Soon-Sil, who has no official title or security clearance, and allowing her to meddle in state affairs.

The case is now being considered by the Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to rule on the validity of the impeachment.

Judge Lee Jin-Sung rejected an attempt by Park’s lawyers to stall the hearing, instead posing questions about her movements in the aftermath of the Sewol ferry disaster that left more than 300 people dead.

Park’s response to the tragedy was among the issues cited when parliament voted for her impeachment, and she faces growing pressure to explain what she was doing that day.

Questions have been raised over Park’s activities during a seven-hour period after she was initially informed of the sinking.

There is a wide range of theories about her whereabouts, including a romantic liaison, participation in a shamanistic ritual, cosmetic surgery or, most recently, a 90-minute haircut.

Massive demonstrations have taken place in Seoul and other cities every Saturday for the past two months, the protesters calling for Park’s immediate departure from office.

The impeachment process was ignited and fuelled by public outrage at her behaviour.

Park, suspended from her duties since the December 9 impeachment vote, is still defiant.

The impeachment has set off an early scramble among potential successors, even before a decision is made to remove her from office.

South Korea’s ruling conservative party also faces an imminent split over the issue, which could undermine its election chances.

Choi, who is said to have had a “Rasputin- like” influence over the president, pleaded not guilty to all charges when her trial opened this week. – AFP