More new developments related to the political scandal in Korea

On January 16, a series of new developments related to the political scandal in Korea appeared, causing many changes in the investigation of the scandal.

Among new developments, South Korean special prosecutors have just formally charged the head of the national pension service, asking the court to issue an arrest warrant for the Vice Chairman of Samsung Group.

Also on January 16, Ms. Choi Soon-sil - the central figure of the scandal - spoke out to deny allegations that she had benefited personally or businesses through her relationship with President Park Geun-hye.

Ms. Choi Soon-sil - the central figure of the Korean political scandal. (photo: english.chosun.com).

Moon Hyung-pyo, head of the National Pension Service, has been charged with abuse of power and perjury by special prosecutors. The special prosecutor's office said it would provide more details on the charges at a press conference later on January 16.

Moon Hyung-pyo was previously accused of pressuring the National Pension Service to back an $8 billion merger between two Samsung Group affiliates last year when he was Health and Welfare Minister. Moon Hyung-pyo has so far denied the allegations, claiming he had no contact with the presidential office or Samsung regarding the merger before it took place.

The merger is believed to have been aimed at strengthening the power of Samsung Group's heir, Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong. Meanwhile, Samsung Group is suspected of giving 43 million won (US$36 million) in bribes to Choi Soon-sil, a longtime friend of suspended President Park Geun-hye, to seek government help in the merger.

The South Korean Special Prosecutor's Office said on January 16 that it will ask the court to issue an arrest warrant for Samsung Group heir Lee Jae-yong.

“The special prosecutor’s office has requested an arrest warrant for Samsung Vice Chairman Lee Kyu-Chul on charges of criminal offenses, including bribery, as well as making false statements during a parliamentary hearing,” said Lee Kyu-Chul, a spokesman for the special prosecutor’s office.

The court will hold a meeting on January 18 to consider issuing an arrest warrant for this person. Currently, Korean investigators are still evaluating all factors, including the economic impact of Mr. Lee's arrest, because Korea often imposes lighter sanctions on leaders of large companies to avoid negative economic impacts.

Meanwhile, Ms. Choi Soon-sil - the center of the scandal that has shaken the Korean political scene in recent days - has denied all accusations against her. At the fifth hearing at the Constitutional Court, Ms. Choi requested evidence of her alleged wrongdoings and denounced the prosecution's "confession" tactics.

When asked whether Ms. Choi went to the Presidential Office or not, this person admitted and said that she only went to help President Park Geun-hye with "personal matters", but did not give further details.

Ms. Choi also admitted to receiving drafts of Ms. Park Geun-hye's speeches and making some changes to add "emotional nuances." Ms. Choi Soon-sil is now in custody and facing trial. A Seoul court is also considering the prosecutor's request to arrest the Samsung vice chairman.

According to VOV