Park, who no longer has immunity from prosecution following a March 10 court ruling that ended her presidency, could face multiple charges such as extortion, bribery and abuse of power. A bribery conviction could carry up to life imprisonment.
A look at the criminal allegations against Park, who has steadfastly denied any legal wrongdoing, and the potential impact her fate could have on South Korean politics.
Park is accused of conspiring with longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil to pressure 16 business groups, including Samsung, to donate 77.4 billion won ($69 million) to the Mir and K-Sports foundations, two nonprofits that Choi controlled.
According to prosecutors, Park allegedly pushed for company donations through her meetings with the companies’ top executives and through her top presidential aides and government officials.
The companies told investigators that they couldn’t refuse because they feared business disadvantages like state tax investigations.
Park is also suspected of having a senior presidential secretary pressure the Lotte Group into giving an additional 7 billion won ($6 million) to the K-Sports foundation to finance the construction of a sports facility in the city of Hanam, which was to be operated by a private company established by Choi. The money was later returned.
Park has said she simply asked companies to support projects aimed at promoting the country’s culture and sports sectors.
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