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

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

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

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

Police have banned protesters from marching through the streets, citing traffic congestion. However, protesters were able to make their way to the Blue House (the presidential residence). 20,000 police have been deployed.

In the above political scandal, Ms. Choi is suspected of using her 40-year close relationship with President Park to interfere in state affairs, including some sensitive policy issues. She is also being investigated for using her close relationship with the President to influence large businesses, causing them to donate money to two non-profit foundations she established. The estimated amount of money contributed to these foundations is about 50 billion won (44 million USD).

Image of Ms. Choi Soon Sil recorded by Korean television on the morning of October 30. Photo: Reuters.

According to analysts, Ms. Park may not resign but will serve out the rest of her term, but her power is seriously affected at a time when South Korea's economic growth is slowing, unemployment is rising and military tensions with North Korea.

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

Lan Ha

(According to Straitstimes)