S. Korea prosecutors likely to question president

Their latest announcement followed a demonstration hundreds of thousands strong in the capital Seoul on Saturday demanding Ms Park’s resignation in South Korea’s largest protest since military dictatorship ended three decades ago. At least 100,000 members and supporters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), one of the country’s two umbrella labour union groups, joined the protest.

The questioning comes a day after the prosecution announced it would carry out direct questioning of the president early this week to investigate her role in the widening scandal surrounding Choi. “I demand for her to resign”, said Ahn during the rally.

Prosecutors are investigating accusations of influence-peddling that centre on her longtime friend Choi Soon Sil, dubbed the “shadow president” for her hold over Mrs Park and alleged interference in state affairs. “We want a real government”.

A 69-year-old man, who wanted to be identified only by his surname Kim, said, “I gave her a vote because I trusted her”.

She has said, without elaborating, that she had discussed with conglomerate heads in July past year her desire for them to contribute more to South Korean culture. Choi has been accused of leading a cult and was arrested for using her relationship with Park to coerce companies to donate up to $70 million to Choi’s foundations. “The protestors’ march was peaceful and cheerful, with participants making speeches on stage and celebrities performing in front of the crowds”.

A Korean Air Lines spokesman confirmed that Cho Yang-ho, who is chairman of Hanjin and South Korea’s largest airline, had appeared for questioning but did not elaborate further. She’s also the daughter of Park Chung-hee, the country’s President from 1961 to 1979, who was assassinated by his own intelligence chief.

After seeing tens of thousands of citizens demonstrating against Park’s administration at home, Won said the KGSA grew increasingly sympathetic to the opposition movement.

President Park made her second apology to the public last Friday, saying she will accept prosecutors’ investigation if necessary.

“All of this happening is my fault”.

The candlelight rally was scheduled to begin at 4pm local time (07:00 GMT) at Seoul City Hall, followed by a march in the direction of the presidential Blue House.

Inside Story – Will South Korea’s president be forced out of office? She has defied calls to step down, apparently wanting to hold on until her term ends in February 2018. “That’s why she’s still the leader”.

In a televised news conference on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Joon-sik had voiced concerns at the possibility of “illegal collective action or violence” and urged the protestors to respect police barriers.

Despite the serious nature of the calls for resignation, protesters seemed to be in good spirits.