Security tightened ahead of protests demanding President Park Geun-hye's resignation.

(Baonghean.vn) - On November 5th, South Korea deployed thousands of police officers in the capital Seoul ahead of a massive protest by tens of thousands of people calling for President Park Geun-hye's resignation over the political scandal involving Choi Soon-sil, her longtime close friend.

A group of artists clashed with police during an anti-government protest demanding President Park Geun-hye's resignation in central Seoul on November 4, 2016. Photo: AFP.

An estimated 40,000 people are expected to take to the streets in Seoul to protest and demand President Park's resignation, despite her apology to the people in a televised speech on the morning of November 4th, and her willingness to answer questions from prosecutors as part of an independent investigation.

Police banned protesters from marching through the streets, citing traffic congestion concerns. However, protesters were able to find their way to the Blue House (the presidential palace). 20,000 police officers were deployed.

In the aforementioned political scandal, Choi is suspected of using her close 40-year relationship with President Park to interfere in national affairs, including several sensitive policy issues. She is also under investigation for using her close relationship with the President to influence large businesses to donate money to two non-profit foundations she established. The estimated amount of donations to these foundations is approximately 50 billion won (US$44 million).

Images of Choi Soon Sil were broadcast on South Korean television on the morning of October 30. Photo: Reuters.

Analysts believe that Park may not resign but will serve until the end of her term, but her power is severely threatened at a time when South Korea's economic growth is slowing, unemployment is rising, and military tensions with North Korea are high.

The South Korean constitution stipulates that a presidential election can be held within 60 days of the president's resignation. Some South Korean lawmakers believe that Park's resignation would help resolve the current political crisis.

Lan Ha

(According to Straitstimes)