Downfall of South Korea’s Park Geun-hye

Oct 24, 2016: South Korean broadcaster JTBC breaks open scandal by uncovering presidential speeches in tablet computer belonging to Choi Soon-sil, friend of President Park Geun-hye

Oct 25: Park admits close ties to Choi (right), nicknamed “shaman adviser”, and apologises for “national concerns”

Oct. 29: First of series of large anti-Park rallies held in Seoul

Oct 31: Choi arrested on suspicion of exerting inappropriate influence over state affairs

Nov 20: State prosecutors accuse president of being “collusively involved” in criminal activities by two former aides, who allegedly bullied companies into giving millions of dollars to foundations and businesses Choi controlled


Dec 9: Parliament votes to impeach Park. She is stripped of powers while awaiting court decision on vote. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn becomes acting president


Feb 17, 2017: Samsung Group chief, Lee Jae-yong, arrested for suspected role in scandal


Feb 28: Special prosecutors indict Lee and other company executives for bribery and embezzlement


Mar 6: Special prosecutor says Park colluded with Choi to take bribes from Samsung Group, paving way for her to be prosecuted


Mar 10: Constitutional Court upholds parliament’s vote to impeach Park, removing her from office


Source: Wire agencies
Pictures: Getty Images