Presidential officials locked in standoff with special investigators

By Park Sae-jin Posted : February 3, 2017, 14:16 Updated : February 3, 2017, 15:59

An investigator walks on the road outside the presidential Blue Houses. [Yonhap News Photo]


After a modest noodle party for her 65th birthday, President Park Geun-he holed up behind a protective wall of her heavily guarded residence Friday amid a standoff between special prosecutors and presidential officials.

The five-hour confrontation began after a team of 20 investigators armed with a search warrant arrived at the gate of the presidential Blue House to collect evidence ahead of a face-to-face interrogation of the suspended president next week.

Presidential officials and security guards stopped the team, contending nobody has been allowed to make an unauthorized entry into the Blue House categorized as a security facility.

The warrant was issued on Thursday when Park shared "kalguksu", a traditional noodle soup, with aides to celebrate her 65th birthday and received flowers and congratulatory messages from supporters.

Park, who was impeached by parliament on December 9, faces multiple charges that she violated the people's sovereignty and the rule of law, abused her power, infringed on freedom of the press, neglected her presidential duty, and took part in bribery and other crimes.

Park has boycotted constitutional court hearings, insisting she was not involved in any wrongdoing. She is accused of allowing her long-time friend Choi Soon-sil to meddle in important state affairs and collect corporate cash donations.
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