Prosecutors place President Park's crony under emergency arrest

By Park Sae-jin Posted : November 1, 2016, 09:00 Updated : November 1, 2016, 09:00

Choi Soon-sil apologizes on Monday before entering Supreme Prosecutors' Office. [Photo by Namkung Jinwoong = timeid@ajunews.com]



Choi Soon-sil, a long-time friend and spiritual partner of South Korea's scandal-stricken President Park Geun-hye, has been placed under emergency arrest as she denied all of the charges against her, prosecutors said.

The arrest without a warrant was made shortly before midnight Monday after a nine-hour interrogation that began after Choi walked into the office of prosecutors in Seoul.

Prosecutors said Choi was a flight risk who may attempt to destroy evidence because she was in an unstable psychological state, denying her involvement in any illegal activities.

The 60-year-old daughter of a religious cult leader who was once seen as Park's anchor is suspected of exploiting her ties with the president to interfere in state affairs without holding any official title.

In a bid to assuage public resentment, Park sacked senior presidential aides Sunday, a day after thousands of protesters staged a candle-lit rally in central Seoul, calling for her resignation.

The scandal has sent Park's approval ratings to record lows, triggering concern about the early arrival of her lame duck status ahead of the presidential election in December next year.

Park, who took office in early 2013 as South Korea's first female president, admitted last week that Choi had acted as a personal adviser, receiving drafts of presidential speeches.

Choi has been portrayed as a Rasputin-like figure whose influence extended to advising on key appointments and policy issues. Grigori Rasputin was a Russian peasant, mystical faith healer, and trusted friend of the family of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia.

The woman is suspected of exerting her influence in the creation and operation of two public foundations created with money donated by dozens of conglomerates.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
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