New South Korean Prime Minister Says President Could Be Investigated

South Korea's newly appointed prime minister said today that an investigation into President Park Geun-hye is possible.

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Byong-joon at his first official press conference today. Photo: Reuters.

Prime Minister Kim Byong-joon said today that an investigation into President Park Geun-hye's involvement in a political scandal that has rocked South Korea is possible, but this must be done cautiously because Ms. Park is still the leader, according to Yonhap.

"I know there are doubts and criticisms," Mr. Kim said in his first formal news conference with reporters.

The new prime minister, who was policy secretary under President Roh Moon-hyun, was appointed by the Blue House, the South Korean presidential office, in a move aimed at calming public anger over a political scandal involving Park and her close friend Choi Soon-sil.

Choi is accused of accessing confidential documents and profiting personally through non-profit foundations thanks to her relationship with Ms. Park.

South Korea's opposition has announced a boycott of Mr Kim's nomination process, saying the Blue House should consult with parliament first.

According to VNE