2016 South Korean political scandal

The 2016 South Korean political scandal (Korean: 최순실 게이트, Choi Soon-sil gate) involves the influence of Choi Soon-sil, the daughter of a shaman-esque cult leader Choi Tae-min, over president Park Geun-hye.

Widespread coverage of this South Korean political scandal began in late October 2016. On November 29, Park offered to begin the process of removing herself from power. On December 9, Park was impeached, and then Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn became the acting president. On December 21, a Special Prosecution Team led by Park Young Soo began to investigate the Choi Soon-sil scandal. On March 10, 2017, The Constitutional Court of Korea ruled to uphold the impeachment of President Park Geun-Hye. All 8 judges agreed that President Park abused her power. A new election will be held in 60 days.

Choi Soon-sil has known President Park since the 1970s when Choi's father, Choi Tae-min, was then-president Park Chung-hee's mentor as the family was still grieving for the assassination of then first-lady Yuk Young-soo. Choi at that time claimed that the shamanic leader can channel communication to her dead mother. Choi Soon-sil is alleged for dictating or at the least influencing her decisions on everything from President Park's handbags to state affairs. Choi has been indicted for extorting bribes, abusing power illegally and leaking classified documents. Choi is also accused of having influenced Ewha Womans University to change their admission criteria in order for her daughter Chung Yoo-ra to be given a place there.

Several news media including JTBC and Chosun Broadcasting Company reported that Choi, who has no official government position, had access to confidential documents and information for the president, and acted as a very close confidant for the president. Media outlets reported that Choi and President Park's senior staffs including both Ahn Jong-bum and Jeong Ho-sung have allegedly used their influence to extort ₩77.4 billion($60 million) from Korean chaebols—family-owned large business conglomerates—and set up two culture and sports-related foundations, Mir and K-sports foundations.

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