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| Student, civic and religious groups that are angered by the influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye's confidant, Choi Soon-sil, hold rallies to call for a thorough investigation into the case, and even Park's resignation. / Yonhap |
By Kim Se-jeong
Anger, frustration, disappointment and cynicism have been major reactions from citizens and internet users to President Park Geun-hye, whose confidant meddled in state affairs.
Students and civic group members took to the street, holding placards calling for the President to take responsibility for what they called a "shameful" scandal.
"The nation's governing system is collapsing due to the private relationship between President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil," the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, a civic group, said in a statement during a press conference. "Those who are responsible for the Choi Soon-sil gate scandal, including the President, should be held accountable, both politically and criminally."
Hundreds of students and citizens gathered in Sinchon, western Seoul, Wednesday evening for a rally, demanding Park's resignation and a thorough investigation into Choi. More rallies are expected during the weekend.
Some pointed out that this scandal again confirmed Korea's unfair social system where only the rich and the powerful elite rule.
"Polarization and economic problems are plaguing all of society," said Lee Byoung-hoon, a sociology professor at Chung-Ang University. "Facing these challenges, the leader has had her friend make important decisions affecting so many lives. That is certainly upsetting and disappointing. What's left with us now is how to deal with it, and honestly, I doubt that Korean society can do it wisely."
Social networking services were also flooded with messages demanding Park's impeachment or resignation, Wednesday.
Impeachment was the No.1 keyword on domestic search engines immediately after her nationally-televised apology over the scandal involving Choi the previous day.
"Impeachment vs. resignation ― you should choose between the two, Ms. President," a person with the ID chul**** wrote on Naver, the country's most popular web-portal.
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"President, please step down; it's just a waste of taxpayers' money and lawmakers' time to impeach you. If you really love your country, President, this is what you can really do," another named wjst**** wrote.
"It was the people's mistake to elect her as president. If we stay quiet and let her keep the position, this will be another stupidity of Koreans. She deserves impeachment," said a blogger with the ID ewqd****.
Many also cited the case of former President Roh Moo-hyun, who was impeached by the National Assembly for illegal electioneering. The Constitutional Court later overturned the impeachment.
"Roh was impeached because he made comments supporting his party. Compared to this, what Park did is a much more serious violation of the law," said Kim Hye-na, an office worker in Seoul.
Park has a little over one year left to complete her term. Impeachment requires more than two thirds of the votes at the National Assembly, so chances of this happening are not that big.
"Stay calm," Ha Seung-soo, a former law professor at Jeju National University and former leader of the Green Party Korea, wrote on his Facebook page. "What we have seen is outrageous, but, if impeachment really happens, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn will replace Park for the remainder of her term. That will be another disaster. Things are complicated."
Criticism also targeted Choi, who is believed to be hiding in Europe with her daughter.
"Choi, you'd better come back to Korea and face the truth," a Facebook user surnamed Koo wrote on her account. Another Facebook user, surnamed Chae, said, "The fact that a person like her could thrive and have a say in state affairs means something has gone really wrong."
Many also said this scandal showed Park's incompetence as Choi allegedly did almost everything that the President was supposed to do.
"I was surprised that our President was this incompetent. She was a puppet of Choi. It is frustrating and disappointing," Yun Ji-yeon, an office worker in Seoul, wrote on her blog.
Some others said Choi was the real leader of the country, making fun of the situation. "President Choi, please do one last good thing. Please lower the tobacco price again," an internet user wrote.
"Now I know why many campaign pledges Park made have not been kept: Park said she would carry them out ‘if I become the President' and Park did not become president, Choi did," another said.
