MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Choi is suspected of using her friendship with the president to influence state affairs as well as embezzling funds from non-profit organizations. On Wednesday, South Korean prosecutors asked a local court to issue an arrest warrant for Choi after placing her into detention earlier in the week.
"There are different interpretations of the Constitution. But I believe we can conduct an investigation into Park. As she is still the head of state, however, we should be prudent about the process and methods," Kim was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency during his first meeting with reporters.
Kim, an adviser of former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, was appointed as prime minister on Wednesday amid revelations linked to Choi.
He added that he is prepared to perform broader duties as the president may be unable to execute business as usual in the face of public anger over the scandal as well as obstruction by opposition parties.
On October 24, the JTBC television network reported that Choi allegedly received drafts of Park’s speeches before they were publicly delivered, though she had never held a public post. The following day, Park officially admitted asking Choi for advice on speeches and public relations issues, and apologized for "causing public concern."
The revelation has caused a massive anti-government protest in the country, with people calling on the president to step down. The scandal has also led to a cabinet reshuffle which was rejected by opposition parties.
