President Park Geun-hye’s friend at the epicenter of South Korea‘s worst political crisis in recent memory has refused to take the witness stand in the upcoming parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday, dealing a blow to lawmakers’ efforts to investigate the influence-peddling scandal that has plunged the nation into a state of turmoil.

The bipartisan panel of lawmakers probing the case said Monday they were notified by Choi Soon-sil’s attorney that she would not testify before lawmakers at a hearing scheduled to take place Wednesday. Choi is one of the most important witnesses in the ongoing parliamentary investigation. 


The 60-year-old longtime friend of Park cited health issues and the prosecutorial investigation she is undergoing as reasons for her absence.

Currently under arrest, she faces a trial for her involvement in the scandal, as she is accused of manipulating government affairs through her ties to the president.

Choi’s elder sister Choi Soon-deuk and niece Jang Si-ho also told lawmakers they are too ill to attend the session. The two have been charged with using their ties with Choi to amass personal wealth illegally.

The panel said that if the Chois continue to avoid inquiry, they would request the court issue an order to force their attendance. By law, those who refuse to obey such an order can be sent to prison or face fines. But there is no measure to enforce their attendance if the witnesses choose to risk punishment.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)