S. Korean President Agrees To Scandal Probe, Denies Cult Links

S. Korean president agrees to scandal probe, denies cult links

SEOUL, Nov 4, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 04th Nov, 2016 ) - South Korean President Park Geun-Hye on Friday agreed to submit to questioning by prosecutors investigating a corruption scandal engulfing her administration, accepting that the damaging fallout was "all my fault".

In a televised address to the nation, Park denied some of the more lurid rumours surrounding the scandal -- including reports that she had fallen into a religious cult and conducted shamanist rituals in the presidential Blue House.

It was the second time in 10 days that Park has felt compelled to speak directly to the country about the crisis that erupted last month over a close personal friend accused of embezzlement and meddling in key state affairs.

On Thursday, a Seoul court formally approved an arrest warrant for Choi Soon-Sil, Park's long-time confidante, on charges of fraud and abuse of power. "If necessary, I am willing to sincerely respond to prosecutors' investigations," Park said, in an at times emotional address.

"These latest developments are all my fault and were caused by my carelessness," she said, adding that she had "allowed my guard to drop" around Choi. "I can't forgive myself ... and it is hard to sleep at night." The scandal has shattered public trust in Park's presidency, which has more than a year left to run, triggering large street protests, calls for her resignation and a major reshuffle of her senior ministers and top advisers.