Denmark extends detention for woman embroiled in South Korean scandal

A Danish court on Monday approved extending the detention of a woman embroiled in South Korea’s influence-peddling political scandal.

A court in Aalborg, western Denmark, ruled that Chung Yoo Ra, who was arrested early January and would remain in detention until Feb. 22.

She is the daughter of Choi Soon Sil, the confidante of President Park Geun Hye and accused of meddling in South Korean state affairs.

The president was accused of allowing Choi to review personnel files and giving her the chance to read official speeches in advance.

According to media report, Chung is suspected of receiving favours from a Seoul-based university by taking advantage of her mother’s connection to the president.

Danish prosecutors recently said they needed “additional information” regarding South Korea’s request for the extradition of the 21-year-old, and were seeking an extension of the detention order.

Chung, a former member of the South Korean equestrian team, was arrested on an outstanding Interpol warrant after she was spotted at a horse riding competition in Denmark.

At her initial hearing, she denied allegations of fraud but said she had signed documents two or three times on her mother’s instructions.