South Korean prosecutors have set up a high-powered task force to probe a widening scandal involving alleged influence-peddling by a friend and close confidante of President Park Geun-hye. Choi Soon-Sil was accused of using her relationship with the president to coerce donations from conglomerates.

The scandal snowballed when reports suggested that Choi had also been given advance access to presidential speeches and other documents. In an interview with the Segye Times, Choi admitted receiving presidential documents but denied other allegations. The scandal has compelled Park to apologize to the people.