Prosecutors raid Cheil Worldwide offices over influence-peddling scandal

South Korean prosecutors plan to investigate President Park Geun-hye early next week over Park’s biggest political scandal involving her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil suspected of intervening in state affairs behind the scenes and peddling undue influence for personal gains. If realized, it would be the first time in Korean history for prosecutors to question a sitting president.

“It is correct, we are planning to question the president but the date is undecided”, an unnamed official at the prosecutors’ office told Reuters news agency on Sunday.

The scandal has seen Park’s approval ratings plummet to five percent – a record low for any serving South Korean president – with many mocking her for being Choi’s “puppet”.

Up to one million people were expected to take to the streets of Seoul to demand the resignation of scandal-hit President Park Geun-Hye, in one of the largest anti-government protests in decades.

The main opposition Democratic Party has called for Park’s resignation and said it would move to impeach her if she refuses.

Park could respond as early as tomorrow after she appoints a lawyer to represent her, a spokesman said.

Also subject to key investigations will be alleged favors granted to Choi’s 20-year-old daughter when entering a prestigious university and 2.8 million euros (about 3 million USA dollars) transferred by Samsung to a company co-owned by Choi and her daughter. Prosecutors are pushing to complete any investigation into Park this week because of the upcoming expiry of Choi’s legal detention period.

Choi is also accused of manipulating local firms into “donating” about KRW50 billion (US$44 million) to two foundations that had supposedly been set up by her.

Allegations range from selecting wardrobe of Park to intervention in the appointment of senior government officials, to the editing of presidential speeches and recommendations on government policies.

However, they have threatened to push for her resignation if she doesn’t distance herself from state affairs.

The president’s office had no immediate comment on the report.

President Park made her second apology to the public last Friday, saying she will accept prosecutors’ investigation if necessary. Residences of two of Park’s aides were searched for information, as were Samsung’s offices, and Park apologized to the nation on November 3, saying her role in the nonprofit organizations was based on “pure motives”. According to the prosecution, the President encouraged them during the meetings to take part in the Mir Foundation and the K-Sports Foundation.