Choi Soon Sil, the confidante of former South Korean president Park Geun Hye, has been sentenced to three years in jail for soliciting favours for her daughter, as part of a huge influence-peddling and corruption case that brought about Park’s downfall..
Choi Soon Sil, the confidante of former South Korean president Park Geun Hye, has been sentenced to three years in jail for soliciting favours for her daughter, as part of a huge influence-peddling and corruption case that brought about Park’s downfall.
The Seoul Central District Court yesterday found Choi, 61, guilty of exerting influence on the prestigious Ewha Womans University to gain privileges for her daughter’s admission and good grades.
This marks the first court ruling in the case, which triggered massive protests and investigations leading to Park’s impeachment in March.
More than 30 people have been arrested and indicted in the case, including Park herself and tech giant Samsung scion Lee Jae Yong, who is accused of giving bribes worth 43 billion won (S$52.4 million) to Choi in return for business favours. Park and Lee, who are being held in detention, deny all charges against them.
Choi was indicted last November on numerous charges including fraud, bribery and abuse of power. She will continue to face trial for the other charges.
The court noted yesterday that Choi might have acted out of love for her daughter, but she “committed too much wrongdoing” to justify her actions.
