(ATR) Offices of electronics giant Samsung were raided today by Korean officials as part of an ongoing corruption scandal reaching the highest levels of government.
South Korean president Geun Hye Park has come under fire for her relationship with Soon Sil Choi, the daughter of a shamanic figure in Korea. Choi is reported to have helped edit Park’s speeches, received access to classified information, and advised her on her many roles as President.
In addition, Choi is being questioned for possible monetary benefits she received from Korea’s largest companies.
Samsung, a TOP sponsor for the IOC and the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics, confirmed to international media that its corporate offices were raided by Korean investigators. Investigators are looking into a suspected $3.1 million donation to a company owned by Choi. The donation was intended to benefit athletes in Germany, but allegedly was used for dressage lessons for Choi’s daughter.
Choi was questioned by prosecutors on Nov. 1, after Korean officials deemed her unstable and a flight risk. She returned to Korea for questioning, after which she was surrounded by reporters.
"Please forgive me," Choi told reporters in Seoul, as reported by Yonhap news agency. "I have committed a deadly sin."
Multiple presidential aides to Park resigned on Oct. 30 as part of the scandal. Park’s current approval rating has reached a nadir of five percent as the scandal continues to grow. Thousands of South Koreans have taken to the streets calling for Park’s resignation. International media reports say that anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 people attended demonstrations on Nov. 6.
The same day that Samsung’s offices were raided President Park accepted a proposal that would see the national parliament select the country’s prime minister. The Prime Minister of South Korea is seen largely as a symbolic role, with power concentrated in the country’s executive branch. The concession is seen as a humiliating political defeat for the President, as she maneuvers to prevent a possible impeachment vote.
Written by Aaron Bauer
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