Cheong Wa Dae slams independent counsel for leaking info on timing of president's questioning

SEOUL, Feb. 8 (Yonhap) -- The presidential office Cheong Wa Dae on Wednesday lambasted special prosecutors for leaking the schedule set for investigators to question President Park Geun-hye over her role in the corruption scandal that led to her impeachment, further clouding the prospects of the unprecedented inquiry.

Some media outlets reported on the day that Cheong Wa Dae and the probe team, led by Independent Counsel Park Young-soo, had agreed to the plan to question Park face to face at her presidential office on Thursday.

"The promise (not to reveal to the media any information on the questioning plan) has been broken (by the probe team)," a presidential aide told Yonhap News Agency, declining to be identified.

"We are now very frustrated, with some arguing that we have to declare that we will no longer engage in any dialogue with the special counsel," he added.

Another aide to Park said, "If the independent counsel continues to leak content related to the questioning of the president, all mutual agreement reached will be rendered null and void."

Special prosecutors have been accelerating their probe into the high-profile corruption scandal involving the president and her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil, with their initial investigation period set to expire on Feb. 28. The period can be extended once by a month with consent from Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn.

Park is alleged to have colluded with Choi in extorting money and favors from local conglomerates. She is also suspected of allowing Choi to meddle in important state affairs including high-level government appointments. Both have flatly denied all charges made.

sshluck@yna.co.kr
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