By Kim Bo-eun
The special investigation team will officially launch its investigation into the influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil on Wednesday.
Independent counsel Park Young-soo said Tuesday the team aims to complete its investigation within the 70 days mandated by law.
“We will review all allegations leaving no stone unturned,” Park told reporters.
Park and other officials from the team have said their investigation will focus on finding concrete evidence to prove bribery charges and uncovering what President Park was doing during seven hours on April 16, 2014, while the ferry Sewol was sinking.
The special team faces an uphill battle with Park and Choi who have denied all charges filed against them.
Separately, the Constitutional Court ― now reviewing Park’s impeachment over corruption allegations ― will hold its first preparatory hearing at 2 p.m. Thursday, the court's spokesman Bae Bo-yoon told reporters Tuesday.
At the hearing, which is open to the public, the involved parties will discuss procedural matters for the impeachment case.
President Park, her confidant Choi and former presidential aide An Chong-bum are flatly denying allegations that they colluded in influence-peddling ― to the extent that their responses are suspected to have been prepared in advance.
The three are suspected of having conspired to extort 77.4 billion won ($66.2 million) from more than 50 conglomerates. The chaebol were forced to “donate” the money to the Mir and K-Sports foundations, which were allegedly set up for Choi’s benefit.
Park has denied the accusations made against her in the impeachment charges, saying she was only carrying out her official duties as President, which was not promoting Choi’s interests.
Regarding her “request” to conglomerates to raise money for the foundations, she said it was made under “good intentions” of promoting the country’s sports and culture through them.
Because Choi does not hold a government post, eight of the charges she faces ― including abuse of power ― can be only applied when it is acknowledged that she conspired with government officials.
So this may be why she is denying the collusion allegations, as this would drastically reduce the number of charges she faces.
Choi’s denial is also expected to provide Park with assistance in her impeachment trial. If Choi is cleared of charges, Park may also escape them as she would no longer be considered an “accomplice.”
All these moves are seen as tactics to buy time. The court is required to make a ruling on the impeachment vote six months after Dec. 9, when it received the motion from the National Assembly on the day it was passed