Comply with the probe sincerely

While weeping for “committing a sin that deserves death,” Choi Soon-sil, the longtime friend of President Park Geun-hye under arrest for wielding unfettered power over the president and state affairs, is said to have been uncooperative with the prosecution’s investigation. Her lawyer said her plea for forgiveness and her legal accountability are two different things. As a citizen of Korea, Choi, of course, has the right to legal a defense. In a law-abiding country, state investigation and indictment should be strictly based on the evidence and laws.

But someone who has wrecked havoc on the country by freely using the elected power of the president over the last four years must not think she could hide herself behind the right of defense. She must take responsibility for pushing her longtime friend to the brink of resignation or impeachment and ruining the national dignity and economy. She, however, refuses to answer and denies the hard evidence and testimonies against her. Even the investigators are stunned by her audacity.

Despite her pledge to cooperate fully with the investigation, she refused to comply with overnight investigations citing her fragile health and illnesses. She may still be deluding herself that the president can save her. Such lack of reality has made her victim to internet slandering, lambasting at her choices of luxury wardrobe during her first public appearance and the supper she had at the questioning room. She is bringing down the president with her. Her lawyers should look at her case in broader and national context instead of self-interest.

The prosecution should press harder to gain solid evidence and testimonies on the ways Choi amassed wealth and wielded influence. Only its reliable investigation and competency in building up the case could restore order in the outraged society. It must remember that the public uproar will not end until they are convinced.

JoongAng Ilbo, Nov. 2, Page 30