OUSTED South Korean president Park Geun-hye was questioned by prosecutors yesterday over the corruption and abuse of power scandal that brought her down, after using executive privilege to avoid them for months while in office.

    “I am sorry to the people. I will faithfully cooperate with questioning,” Park said in front of media at the steps of the prosecutors’ office building, her first comments directly to the public since she was dismissed March 10.

    South Korea’s first female president, Park was impeached by parliament in December.

    Questioning by prosecutors is a key step in South Korea’s judicial process before a suspect is charged. It can last for many hours, late into the night and can be repeated if officials deem it necessary.

    Park has been named as an accomplice of her secret confidante at the heart of the scandal.

    The friend, Choi Soon-sil, is accused of using her presidential ties to force local firms including Samsung to “donate” nearly US$70 million to nonprofit foundations she allegedly used for personal gain.

    Park is accused of offering governmental favors to the business tycoons who enriched Choi. The former leader is also accused of letting Choi handle a wide range of state affairs.  (SD-Agencies)