Public anger boils over
By Lee Kyung-min
The public has strongly condemned President Park Geun-hye for the influence-peddling and corruption scandal involving her confidant Choi Soon-sil and her former aides. As the head of state, she is shielded from indictment by the Constitution.
While the prosecution said it named President Park as a suspect because of her alleged complicity in the illegalities, public fury erupted with demands that she face charges for orchestrating the scheme.
“Park, you are not merely a suspect, but the central figure in defrauding the Korean people, causing frustration in all of us,” an internet user said.
“What you have let happen during your presidency is not only a chain of farcical events, but criminal offenses. You should be held accountable.”
Calls for her resignation have increased.
“It is clear that Park is a suspect and an accomplice, so she should step down immediately,” said Ahn Jin-geol, secretary-general of the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy. “She should not abuse her privilege of being immune from criminal prosecution while in office. She must resign and face fair investigation.”
An internet ID user stri**** wrote, “Since the time the prosecution clarified that she is a suspect, Park has been unqualified to lead the state. She should step down voluntarily, and if not, the political circle should pull her down through impeachment.”
The prosecution has also been criticized for not including bribery among the charges against Choi. Choi only faces charges of abuse of authority, coercion, attempted coercion and attempted fraud.
While Choi forced companies to provide money for her foundations, she and Park could be charged with bribery if it is proven the companies donated money to the foundations in return for business favors from Park.
“I know bribery is a grave criminal offense with harsh punishment. Why isn’t it included among the charges? I urge the prosecution to investigate thoroughly. All public eyes are on it,” an internet ID user afro
****
said.
Another ID user kkok
wrote, “Why does the prosecution exclude bribery? With the charges announced today, Park and her aides will end up with suspended jail terms only.
“Without bribery charges, conglomerate heads who provided money will be indulged, too. Prosecutors, you have a long way to go.”