Park urged to speak on scandal

By Kang Seung-woo

President Park Geun-hye faces growing calls to speak on the alleged irregularities linked to her confidant Choi Soon-sil.

The main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) has set up a special committee to look into the allegations, while the second-largest opposition People’s Party is seeking a special prosecutor.

In addition, some ruling party members also demanded that Cheong Wa Dae step up to put the irregularities to rest, while calling for an investigation by the prosecution.

Choi, the daughter of President Park’s late mentor, is regarded as a secretive heavyweight that holds great influence over Park as well as her administration.

Choi has been caught up in allegations that she was behind suspicious fundraising activities involving the K-Sports and Mir foundations.

Her daughter, Chung Yoo-ra, is also embroiled in speculation that she received special treatment in her admission to Ewha Womans University and academic credit she did not earn. Amid the mounting controversy over Choi’s daughter, Ewha Womans University President Choi Kyung-hee has stepped down.

The MPK said Cheong Wa Dae and the ruling Saenuri Party should end their cover-up of the scandals.

“Amid the growing allegations, Cheong Wa Dae has avoided them. The prosecution needs to begin looking into suspicions raised by the media before evidence is destroyed,” said MPK Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae during a party meeting.

“Preisident Park has not provided any apology for or explanation of Choi’s scandal for over two months. Speculation will rise further if Park remains silent. She must provide answers to the questions of the people.”

Park Kyung-mee, an MPK spokeswoman, also said, “We urge Cheong Wa Dae not to defend Choi Soon-sil anymore. In order to get state affairs back on track, the presidential office should work its way out of the scandals by cutting its ties with Choi.”

The People’s Party floated the idea of a special prosecutor to investigate the case.

“While the nation is facing security and economic difficulties, President Park is just burying herself in covering up the suspicions,” said Rep. Kim Dong-cheol.

Some Saenuri Party lawmakers also suggested that the governing party provide the public with clear explanations surrounding Choi’s scandal, so they can put the issue to rest.

“During the latest regular audit, the K-Sports Foundation case emerged as the biggest issue, but the ruling party gave the impression it is not tackling the issue head-on,” said Rep. Choung Byoung-gug of Saenuri Party.

“We need to move forward to help the president finish the remaining term in office,” Choung added. Park’s term in office ends in February 2018.

The Hankyoreh, a local daily, reported Wednesday that two paper companies established by Choi to support Chung’s equestrian training are called The Blue K, with branches in Frankfurt, Germany and Seoul. The staffs of both companies were found to be employees of K-Sports Foundation, raising suspicions that Choi is using the organization to support her daughter’s equestrian career.