SEOUL – A growing corruption scandal over a new justice minister is bringing South Koreans out into the streets in numbers rarely seen since candlelight protests helped bring down former leader Park Geun-hye in 2017.
Corruption allegations against justice minister Cho Kuk’s family galvanized conservative groups after the political disaster of Park’s impeachment over a bribery scandal.
Cho’s family is facing probes into irregular investments and his children’s favorable treatment in university admission.
Tens of thousands of protesters staged demonstrations during recent holidays, including in downtown Seoul on Wednesday, and more gatherings are planned.
The latest corruption scandal has also led to major demonstrations from the other end of the political spectrum, many of whom participated in the 2016-2017 candlelight protests against Park.(Reuters)
