Eight business tycoons in South Korea have appeared before the National Assembly as part of the probe of a corruption and influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil.  

The chiefs of Hyundai Motor, LG, Lotte, Hanwha, Hanjin,CJ, SK, and Samsung attended the session. The investigation revolves around alleged dealings with Choi and whether the president pressured the companies to make donations.

Samsung Electronics vice chairman and heir-apparent Lee Jae-yong was questioned over allegations the company received preferential treatment in exchange for donations and favors to Choi and her daughter in 2015. Lee has denied the allegations.