The South Korean president's close friend is 'holed up' in his cell.

Choi Soon-sil, a close friend of South Korean President Park Geun-hye, refused to leave her cell on December 26 to face lawmakers in a special hearing held at her detention facility.

Choi Soon-sil (center) at her court appearance on December 19.

According to AFP, Choi Soon-sil, the central figure in the corruption scandal that led to President Park Geun-hye's suspension a few weeks ago, has repeatedly refused to appear before a South Korean National Assembly investigation committee. Choi's defiance has forced lawmakers to visit her in prison.

The hearing was scheduled to be filmed at a detention facility outside Seoul, but lawmakers were at a loss when Choi refused to leave her cell.

Two former senior aides to Park also declined to appear before the legislative council.

"It is regrettable that these individuals disregard the rights of the people and the parliament by refusing to participate in the hearing," said Kim Sung-tae, chairman of the investigative committee.

There is no law compelling witnesses to attend congressional hearings, although they could be arrested and face up to five years in prison for refusing to cooperate.

According to Thanh Nien newspaper