South Korean President Park Geun-hye has agreed to be questioned by prosecutors, if necessary. During her second address to the nation in 10 days, Park acknowledged her fault in dropping her guard around long-time confidante Choi Soon-sil.
Choi was formally arrested Thursday on charges of fraud and abuse of power. Choi also has family ties to religious cult activities.
Park denies being involved in any such cult activities or shamanist rituals. The scandal has shattered public trust in her presidency, which still has a year left to go. A new Gallup poll puts her approval rating at just 5 percent, an all-time low for a sitting South Korean president.
South Korea’s constitution does not allow a sitting president to be prosecuted, but some senior officials say questioning is permissible.
“If needed, I will faithfully cooperate with prosecutors’ investigation, and I will also accept an investigation by a special prosecutors’ team. Once again, I sincerely admit my fault and ask for the nation’s forgiveness,” said Park.