Standing at the heart of South Korea’s political scandal, Choi Soon-sil is an elusive figure with no government post or security clearance.

Choi, 60, is the daughter of the late Choi Tae-min, a shadowy religious figure who set up a cult-like group known as the Church of Eternal life. He became a key mentor for a young Park Geun-hye in 1974 after her mother was assassinated. Choi Soon-Sil’s ex-husband served as a top aide for Park until her presidential victory in 2012.

Choi’s daughter was also reported to have been enrolled to the country’s Ewha Womans University illegally. Some reports suggested Choi had her own inner circle that advised the president on appointments and policy issues.