Park supporters march in Seoul against impeachment

SEOUL, South Korea – Protesters marched through the streets of Seoul on Saturday, March 18, demanding the repeal of ex-President Park Geun-Hye’s impeachment.

Prosecutors have ordered the ousted president to appear before them on Tuesday, March 21, for questioning over the corruption scandal that triggered her dramatic downfall.

A criminal suspect in the scandal, Park had repeatedly refused to make herself available for questioning by the prosecutors, before the country’s highest court confirmed a parliamentary impeachment motion against her.

Saturday’s protest against the impeachment saw 2,000 of her supporters walking slowly, waving banners and national flags, including a huge one carried by some 100 people.

They followed a black funeral limousine decorated with national flags.

The final ruling on Friday, March 17, stripped her of power and executive privileges, including protection from criminal indictment, and she left the presidential palace on March 12.

The corruption and influence-peddling scandal is centered on Park’s close confidante Choi Soon-Sil, who is on trial for abuse of power and coercion. 

Choi is accused of using her presidential ties to force local firms, including Samsung, to “donate” nearly $70 million to non-profit foundations she allegedly used for personal gain. 

Park – the 65-year-old daughter of the late former strongman Park Chung-Hee – has been named as Choi’s accomplice who helped her extract money from the firms. 

The scandal that rocked the nation has also seen the heir to electronics giant Samsung, Lee Jae-Yong, arrested and charged with bribery for offering millions of dollars to Choi in return for policy favors from Park. 

Park has voiced defiance over the court ruling, saying “the truth will eventually be revealed.” – Rappler.com