Former South Korean President’s confidant jailed for 20 years over heavy corruption charges

Seoul, February 14: The confidante of former South Korean president Park Geun-hye has been sentenced to 20 years in prison over corruption. The case is linked to the scandal which brought Park Geun-hye down from the presidency.

“In light of the size of material gains obtained by the accused, the severe confusion in state affairs caused by her crimes and the people’s sense of frustration, the guilt of the accused is very heavy,” the judge of Seoul court said.

The confidant of Park was accused of colluding with Park to extort millions from South Korean firms including the telecommunications firm Samsung and the retail conglomerate Lott.She has been described as a woman who shook South Korean society's foundation and paralyzed the political process to the extent that this will impact generations to come.

Choi denied of accepting any guilt. She claimed that she never pursued any personal benefits but attempted to help Park’s work. She described the sentence as political revenge by framing her.