UPDATE - Impeached SKorea leader’s confidante appears in court

UPDATES THROUGHOUT

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL (AA) - Choi Soon-sil -- whose name is a byword for South Korea’s ongoing leadership crisis -- appeared at Seoul Central District Court Monday afternoon, having recently ignored a request to be interrogated at a parliamentary session.

Choi became a major figure of notoriety in October when allegations began to snowball that she had abused her ties to President Park Geun-hye for personal gain and was even secretly influencing state affairs.

While investigations continue to determine the extent of the now suspended president’s complicity, existing suspicions were sufficient for lawmakers to overwhelmingly vote to impeach her this month.

Described as Park’s private confidante, Choi has been through no election or vetting process to warrant any kind of governing power.

Choi appeared distressed when answering her summons by prosecutors in October, having been surrounded by reporters upon arrival -- and Monday marks her first public test since she was formally arrested and charged.

“Choi Soon-sil will attend the preparatory hearing today,” her attorney had earlier announced to reporters. “She has expressed her willingness to sincerely go through the trial.”

News of her planned appearance may have surprised some onlookers, particularly considering her attendance is not mandatory at this stage.

Meanwhile, Park awaits a final ruling on her impeachment by the Constitutional Court, which has up to six months to reach a decision.