April 25, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] The prosecutors investigating the so-called Choi Soon-sil Gate are to question conglomerate chiefs who allegedly held undisclosed meetings with President Park Geun-hye.

The prosecution, however, is said to be undecided on the method for questioning the business leaders.
 

President Park Geun-hye and 17 chaebol leaders pose to celebrate the kick-off of the government-led startup accelerator program in July last year.

Choi, a long-time confidante of Park, is accused of using her influence to raise nearly 80 billion won (US$69.59 million) for Mir Foundation and K-Sports Foundation. In the process, former presidential aide Ahn Chong-bum is said to have pressured companies to make donations.

According to Ahn, Park held one-on-one meetings with seven businessmen after a conference with 17 business leaders at the presidential office in July 2015.

The businessmen alleged to have spoken to Park behind closed doors are Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo, LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo, Hanwha Group's Kim Seung-young, Hanjin Group chief Cho Yang-ho, CJ Group's Sohn Kyung-shik and SK Group's SUPEX council chairman Kim Chang-geun. 

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heralcorp.com)