A file picture showing Democratic Party head Choo Mi-ae [Photo by Yoo Dae-gil = dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]
The leader of South Korea's main opposition party threatened Monday to join anti-government protests calling for the resignation of President Park Geun-hye if she continues to ignore an opposition request for a neutral cabinet.
Democratic Party head Choo Mi-ae urged Park to stay away from domestic politics and form a neutral cabinet trough consultations with opposition parties.
"President Park Geun-Hye has already received a public vote of no-confidence," Choo said, accusing the disgraced president of dragging her feet in normalizing the operation of crippled state affairs. "It's only up to the president's quick and bold decision."
Choo warned that the opposition would lead anti-government protesters if the president continues to ignore opposition demands. Tens of thousands of protesters staged a candle-lit rally in central Seoul Saturday, demanding Park's impeachment and resignation.
Last week Park said she was ready to face an investigation by state prosecutors or an independent counsel, blaming herself for inviting a political crisis prompted by her long-time female friend and spiritual partner, Choi Soon-sil.
Prosecutors have arrested Choi on charges of attempted fraud and abuse of authority as well as two former presidential aides. Park, who took office in early 2013 as South Korea's first female president, appealed for the early normalization of government administration, expressing concern about a power vacuum.
Park has named Kim Byong-joon, a 62-year-old college professor who served as a presidential aide for South Korea's late liberal president Roh Moo-hyun, as her new prime minister. Opposition parties have refused to approve the nomination.
Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
