Ex-justice minister summoned in corruption investigation

Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk. Korea Times file

South Korean prosecutors have summoned the country's former justice minister as they expand an investigation into corruption allegations surrounding his family that sparked huge protests.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on Thursday confirmed that Cho Kuk arrived at the office for questioning, weeks after the arrests of his wife, brother and another relative over their suspected involvement in financial crimes and faking credentials to help get Cho's daughter into medical school and obtain scholarships.

Cho resigned as minister last month, citing the burden of the investigation into his family, but has denied legal wrongdoing.

Huge crowds of his supporters and critics have marched in Seoul for weeks, demonstrating how the months-long saga has deepened the country's political divide. (AP)