Thousands rally to urge S. Korea’s Park to quit

SEOUL — Tens of thousands of South Koreans poured into the streets of downtown Seoul on Saturday demanding the resignation of President Park Geun-hye over a political scandal that has engulfed the nation.

The protest, the largest antigovernment demonstration in the capital in nearly a year, came a day after Park apologized on TV amid rising suspicion that she allowed a mysterious confidant to wield power from the shadows.

Holding banners, candles and colorful signs that said “Park Geun-hye out” and “Treason by a secret government,” the demonstrators packed a large square in front of an old palace gate and nearby streets, singing and thunderously applauding speeches calling for the ouster of the increasingly unpopular president.

They then shifted into a slow march in the streets around City Hall, before moving back to the square and cheering on more speeches that continued into the night.

“Park should squarely face the prosecution’s investigation and step down herself,” said Kim Seo-yeon, one of the many college students who participated in the protest. “If she doesn’t, politicians should move to impeach her.”

Police estimated Saturday’s crowd at 45,000, although protest organizers said about 200,000 people turned out.

Prosecutors last week arrested Choi Soon-sil, the daughter of a late cult leader and a longtime friend of Park’s, and detained two former presidential aides over allegations that they pressured businesses into giving $70 million to two foundations Choi controlled.

There also are allegations that Choi, despite having no government job, regularly received classified information and meddled in various state affairs, including the appointment of ministers and policy decisions.

Though several politicians have individually called for Park’s ouster, opposition parties have yet to push for her resignation or impeachment for fear of negatively affecting next year’s presidential election.