Anti-Park Demonstrations - 17th Week

Very large crowds are expected for today's demonstrations in Seoul which start at 6 pm. This is the first official demonstration this year in which many major civil rights, unions, and other groups are also participating. The march towards the Presidential compound and around downtown Seoul starts at 7:30 pm. 

In front of Sejong Cultural Center at 5:10 pm

Main Stage in front of Gwanghwamun at 5:15 pm

In front of Gwanghwamun at 5:20

Updated List Of Arrested In President Park Scandal

Joining those already in jail awaiting trial are Lee Jae-young (Samsung Vice Chairman) and Choi Kyung-hee (former President of Ewha University). Joining those indicted without arrest is Woo Byung-woo (former Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs). The press predict that six more people will be arrested and indicted by next week.

New York Times: Lee Jae-yong, Samsung Heir, Is Arrested on Bribery Charges
Korea Herald: Ex-Ewha Womans University President Choi Kyung-hee arrested
Joongang Daily: Blue House aide Woo Byung-woo avoids detention

Those arrested so far in the scandal are listed below;

Mr. Kim Ki-choon       (former Chief Presidential Secretary)
Ms. Cho Yoon-sun      (Minister of Culture and Sports)
Ms. Kim Kyung-sook   (Ewha U., Dean of Science and Industry Convergence College)
Ms. Lee  In-sung        (Ewha University, Professor)
Ms. Choi Soon-sil       (President Park's confidante)
Mr. Cha Eun-taek       (former Director of Creative Convergence Center)
Mr. An Chong-bum    (former Senior Presidential Secretary)
Mr. Jeong Ho-seong   (former Presidential Secretary)
Ms. Choi Si-ho           (niece of Ms. Choi Soon-sil)
Mr Kim Jong              (former Vice Minister of Culture)
Mr. Moon Hyung-pyo  (former Minister of Health)

Mr. Kim Jin-soo          (former Presidential Secretary for Health)

Mr. Kim Jong-deok     (former Minister of Culture)

Mr. Chung Gwang-ju   (former Vice Minister of Culture)

Mr. Shin Dong-chul     (former Presidential Secretary)

Mr. Song Sung-gak     (former Head of Korea Creative Content Agency)

Mr Ryu Cheol-gyun     (Ewha University Professor)

Mr. Nam Gung-gon     (former Ewha University, Dean of Admissions)

Those indicted with indifference (not arrested yet) are listed below;

Mr. Cho Won-dong     (former Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs)

Mr. Choi Gee-sung      (Samsung, Vice Chairman Future Strategy Office)

Mr. Jang Choong-gi     (Samsung, President Future Strategy Office)

Mr. Park Sang-jin         (Samsung Electronics, President for External Affairs)

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 16th Week

Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched again on Saturday in Seoul and other cities nationwide. The crowds were a little thinner than last week, but Gwanghwamun was stilled packed with families, couples, and other groups.

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 15th Week

The media has been giving pro-Park demonstrators a lot of airtime for the past few months, and several thousand show up every week. However, several hundred thousand anti-Park demonstrators also show up every week, and discuss things that aren't reported that much in the media. The atmosphere of the people demonstrating is much different than what is conveyed through media coverage. The air is full of of anger, solidarity, determination, and solemness.

Today, over 800,000 anti-Park demonstrators braved freezing temperatures and high winds to demand that Park step down, the Constitutional Court approve the impeachment, that acting President Hwang grant a 30-day extension to the Special Independent Prosecutor's investigation which ends in a few weeks, and other demands.








For some great pictures and details, click below.

The Hankyoreh: Despite frosty weather, 800,000 gather to demand Pres. Park’s impeachment

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 14th Week

Due to the Lunar New Year celebrations last weekend, there were no protests. However, this weekend, demonstrators for both sides were out in full force. 

There were several thousand pro-Park demonstrators in front of City Hall, and throngs of anti-Park demonstrators at Gwanghwamun Plaza. 

Gwanghwamun Plaza at 4 pm

Gwanghwamun Plaza at 5 pm

For more pictures and details, please click below.

Korea Herald: People take to streets demanding president's immediate resignation

Korea Times: People take to streets demanding president's immediate resignation

Yonhap: People take to streets demanding president's immediate resignation 

President Park Cut Off Funding To Opposition Supporters

President Park ordered that leftist elements in Korean society be denied government funding and positions. Her definition of leftist is anyone who opposed her administration, her father's legacy, or supported opposition politicians, groups, or causes. Her father did worse. Framed people as North Korean spies, or communist sympathizers, and put them in prison. Vast improvement, but still a long ways to go.

For more details on how over 8,000 people and 3,000 organizations were identified, and denied funding and jobs, please click below.

The Hankyoreh: Government blacklist stretched beyond culture, across South Korean society 

Park Administration Funded Right Wing Groups

President Park's administration reportedly ordered the Federation of Korean Industries to fund conservative groups for the past three years. Over $6 million were gathered from Samsung, the Hyundai Motor Company, SK and LG.

The Hankyoreh: Nearly $6 million flowed from chaebol to far right groups over three years

President Park is probably going through a mental breakdown., The breaking point will probably be the Constitutional Court decision on her impeachment, Then most normal people would go through a period of regret, guilt, remorse, and consider ways to escape.