Woman at center of South Korean scandal refuses to talk

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL (AA) - The woman at the heart of South Korea’s presidential scandal refused to be interrogated by special prosecutors on Monday, local media reported.

Choi Soon-sil, a close confidante of impeached President Park Geun-hye, rejected a prosecution summons, a prosecution spokesman cited by Yonhap News Agency said.

The 60-year-old is currently in custody over allegations of influence-peddling and accepting bribes worth tens of millions of dollars. She has appeared before prosecutors previously but has more recently refused to be questioned.

Last week she accused the prosecution team of being “undemocratic and coercive”.

Park, who is awaiting a Constitutional Court decision on whether she will be removed from power, is protected from prosecution while still in office. However, the prosecution said they would seek a court warrant to force Choi’s cooperation.

Investigators are also considering arresting Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong, who has been linked to the bribery scandal. Earlier this month a local court found insufficient grounds to issue an arrest warrant.

The specially-appointed prosecution has until Feb. 28 to conclude the investigation unless acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn allows an extension.

The case has attracted widespread public scrutiny, with millions of people demanding Park’s resignation in street rallies since October. Choi is one of several prominent figures, including the former culture minister and the ex-chief of staff, to have been arrested.