Pulse logo
Pulse Region

Former South Korean President indicted for bribery

Park also faces charges of abusing her powers and leaking state secrets, Seoul prosecutors probing the scandal said in a statement.
South Korea's ousted president Park Geun-Hye (front) faces charges of abusing her powers and leaking state secrets, Seoul prosecutors said in a statement
South Korea's ousted president Park Geun-Hye (front) faces charges of abusing her powers and leaking state secrets, Seoul prosecutors said in a statement

South Koreas ousted President

Park, whose impeachment was confirmed by Seoul's top court last month, also faces charges of abusing her powers and leaking state secrets, Seoul prosecutors probing the scandal said in a statement.

"We have formally charged Park... with multiple offences including abuse of power, coercion, bribery and leaking state secrets," they said after wrapping up the months-long investigation.

Park is accused of colluding with her confidante Choi Soon-sil, who is already on trial, in coercing local conglomerates into donating a total of 77.4 billion won ($68 million) to two non-profit foundations.

Recommended For You
Lifestyle
2025-03-18T12:40:12+00:00
Rachel Ruto is no stranger to making bold yet elegant fashion statements, but during the state visit of the Dutch royals on March 18, 2025, it wasn’t just her outfit that stood out—it was her shoes. The Kenyan First Lady stepped out in a pair of brown suede block heels adorned with a gold emblem.
The Sh83K shoes that completed Rachel Ruto’s State Visit look

Choi allegedly used some of the donations for personal gain.

Park is also accused of offering policy favours to top businessmen who enriched Choi, including Samsung heir Lee Jae-Yong who was arrested earlier and is also on trial for bribery.

Prosecutors on Monday also charged Shin Dong-Bin, the chairman of the giant Lotte Group, with bribing Choi and Park.

Park, 65, has been behind bars at at a detention centre in the outskirts of Seoul since her arrest last month.

The scandal prompted millions to take to the street for weeks calling for the ousting of the conservative president. Parliament impeached Park last December amid growing public pressure.

Subscribe to receive daily news updates.