South Korean prosecutors detained a former presidential aide as an influence-peddling scandal moves closer to embattled leader Park Geun-Hye, with the justice minister warning Thursday that Park could face a probe.
Ahn Jong-Beom, who was dismissed on Sunday, is the second person to be taken into emergency detention after Park's close friend Choi Soon-Sil was held Monday for questioning in the snowballing scandal.
Park is scrambling to deflect rising public anger over suggestions that Choi -- the daughter of a shadowy religious figure -- vetted presidential speeches, had access to classified documents, and used her influence for personal enrichment.
The scandal has shaken the presidency, exposing Park to public outrage and ridicule and, with just over a year left in office, seen her approval ratings plunge into the single digits.
Choi has denied allegations that she used her friendship with Park to strongarm companies like Samsung into donating large sums to non-profit foundations that she then used for personal gains, Yonhap said.
Ahn is suspected of helping Choi collect the dubious donations.
"The president herself understands well the gravity of the situation", Justice Minister Kim Hyun-Woong told parliament Thursday, Yonhap reported.
"Depending on where the ongoing investigation leads, I will consider whether it is necessary and legally possible to investigate (Park) to find truth," he said.
Under South Korea's constitution, the incumbent president may not be charged with a criminal offense except for insurrection or treason.
But it is not clear whether the sitting president can be probed by prosecutors and then charged after they leave office.
"If the president calls for a probe, there would be no limits to the investigation," the minister added, in comments that indicate, for the first time since the scandal broke in September, that Park herself could face questioning.
Rasputin-like figure
In an effort to deflect rising public criticism, Park had been urged to create a neutral cabinet by bringing in members from outside her ruling conservative Saenuri Party.
On Thursday, she announced her pick for chief of staff, Han Gwang-Ok, a former aide to late President Kim Dae-Jung, in an appointment the presidential Blue House said would help get the rattled administration back on track.
The 74-year-old veteran politician, a long serving liberal who switched sides and joined Park's administration in 2013, has dedicated his life to "democracy and national reconciliation".
"He is well suited to assist the president from the citizens' perspective," presidential spokesman Jung Youn-Kuk said.
Park has also reached across the traditional political divide with a host of new appointments, including tapping a liberal politician as her new prime minister -- a largely symbolic post.
But the opposition has dismissed the reshuffle as a smokescreen, calling for a full investigation of Park's relationship with Choi and vowing to block the new prime minister's nomination by wielding their combined parliamentary majority.
The media has portrayed the 60-year-old Choi as a Rasputin-like figure, who wielded an unhealthy influence over Park that continued after her presidential election victory in December 2012.
Choi is the daughter of late religious leader Choi Tae-Min, who was married six times, had multiple pseudonyms and set up his own cult-like group known as the Church of Eternal Life.
He befriended a traumatised Park after the 1974 assassination of her mother -- whom he said had appeared to him in a dream. Park treated him as a mentor and subsequently formed a close bond with his daughter.
Choi flew back to Seoul Sunday from Germany to submit to herself for questioning, saying after she fought her way through a scrum of press and protesters that she had "committed a deadly sin," Yonhap reported.
Prosecutors are seeking a warrant to formally arrest Choi -- who they have deemed a flight risk and "unstable" -- before the emergency detention period expires.
The scandal comes as South Korea, Asia's fourth largest economy, faces slumping exports and high unemployment amid rising nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
AFP
Thu Nov 03 2016
Protesters wearing cut-out of South Korean President Park Geun-hye (R) and Choi Soon-sil attend a protest denouncing President Park Geun-hye over a recent influence-peddling scandal in central Seoul, South Korea, Oct 27, 2016. - Reuters
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.