Confidante's intervention in state affairs puts S. Korean president in crisis

Protesters wearing cut-out of South Korean President Park Geun-hye (C) and Choi Soon-sil attend a protest denouncing President Park Geun-hye over a recent influence-peddling scandal in central Seoul, South Korea, October 27, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

SEOUL - It is not rare in South Korea to see family members or close aides to presidents involved in corruption scandals as a legacy from rules by military dictators, which lasted for almost three decades to the late 1980s.

But this time it seems a completely strange story even to South Koreans. Choi Soon-sil, a longtime confidante of President Park Geun-hye who allegedly calls Park "sister," is suspected of having pulled strings behind the scenes and intervened in state affairs.

Outraged protesters took to the streets in central Seoul on Saturday night, raising high placards that demand President Park step down or be impeached. Rallies and gatherings are forecast to continue.

Choi unexpectedly returned to Seoul on Sunday after staying abroad for two months and said through her attorney that she will actively comply with prosecutors' investigation and state honestly. Prosecutors summoned her for questioning on Monday.

Her comeback, however, failed to soothe condemnations. Choo Mi-ae, chairwoman of the main opposition Minjoo Party, said on her Facebook page that Choi must be arrested immediately for possible concealment efforts.

Minor Justice Party members visited the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in charge of investigating into the case, calling for an immediate detention of Choi who demanded a day to rest as she is not in a good health condition and feels tired after a long flight.