South Korean President suspected of colluding with friend, assistant in corruption

South Korean prosecutors have determined that President Park Geun-hye played a "significant role" in a corruption scandal involving her longtime friend.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye. Photo: Yonhap

Chief Prosecutor Lee Young-ryeol said today that President Park was "involved as a conspirator in a significant part of the criminal activities", according to the BBC. Although the president has legal immunity, she could still be investigated, the prosecutor said, and officials plan to question her in the coming days.

Lee made the announcement as prosecutors today indicted Choi Soon-sil, a longtime friend of Park. Choi is suspected of meddling in state affairs and forcing companies to pay tens of millions of dollars to foundations she controlled. Prosecutors also indicted two former presidential aides who are believed to have colluded with Choi.

South Korea is witnessing its largest protests since the pro-democracy protests of the 1980s. Organizers say up to 50,000 people gathered for candlelight vigils in the capital this weekend, paralyzing streets for the fourth consecutive Saturday. Police say the number of protesters is much lower.

According to VNE