Economic Indicators

Tens of thousands of South Koreans gathered to demand president Park Geun-hye’s resignation

Protesters wearing cut-out of South Korean president Park Geun-hye (R) and Choi Soon-sil attend a protest denouncing Park over a recent influence-peddling scandal in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 27, 2016.
Protesters wearing cut-out of South Korean president Park Geun-hye (R) and Choi Soon-sil attend a protest denouncing Park over a recent influence-peddling scandal in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 27, 2016.
Image: Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji
By
Quartz
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South Koreans gathered in the tens of thousands on Saturday in Seoul to demand president Park Geun-hye’s resignation, following revelations about a close female friend, Choi Soon-sil. Choi, seen as a Rasputin-like figure who reportedly wields immense influence over Park, was allowed to gain access to confidential information, used her connections to operate non-profit foundations as personal slush funds—and acted as a spiritual advisor of sorts to Park, among other allegations.

Choi, who is being investigated by Korean prosecutors, returned to Korea from Germany today after Park’s offices were raided by prosecutors in connection with the scandal.

Protesters in downtown Seoul seen from above on Oct. 29.
Protesters in downtown Seoul seen from above on Oct. 29.
Image: REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
Protesters wearing cut-outs of president Park (C) and Choi attend a protest in Seoul on Oct. 27. The horse is a reference to allegations that Choi used her political connections to siphon money to fund her daughter’s equestrian training.
Protesters wearing cut-outs of president Park (C) and Choi attend a protest in Seoul on Oct. 27. The horse is a reference to allegations that Choi used her political connections to siphon money to fund her daughter’s equestrian training.
Image: REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
Korean protesters march with a banner that says “Park Geun-hye out” during a protest against president Park on a main street in Seoul.
Korean protesters march with a banner that says “Park Geun-hye out” during a protest against president Park on a main street in Seoul.
Image: EPA/Lee Ki-tae
A woman attends a protest denouncing Park, holding a banner that says “Call for Park Geun-hye to step down.”
A woman attends a protest denouncing Park, holding a banner that says “Call for Park Geun-hye to step down.”
Image: REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
A man takes photographs of a satirical banner portraying Park as a puppet of Choi.
A man takes photographs of a satirical banner portraying Park as a puppet of Choi.
Image: REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
South Korean protesters march with candles and hold placards reading “Park Geun-hye Out” during a protest in Seoul.
South Korean protesters march with candles and hold placards reading “Park Geun-hye Out” during a protest in Seoul.
Image: EPA/Lee Ki-tae
South Korean protesters march toward the presidential house as policemen try to block them during a protest against Park in Seoul.
South Korean protesters march toward the presidential house as policemen try to block them during a protest against Park in Seoul.
Image: EPA/Jung Ui-chel