Cha Eun-Taek, who has worked with "Gangnam Style" star Psy and boy band megastars Big Bang, used his ties to a secret confidante of Park to win lucrative projects from state agencies and private firms, prosecutors say. Prosecutors say Park herself ordered her former economic adviser to help Cha pressure officials and private firms so that he would win contracts. Cha, 46, has been charged with abuse of power, coercion and embezzlement and becomes the latest public figure to be embroiled in the snowballing scandal. Choi, 60, is accused of meddling in a wide range of state affairs including the country's preparations for the 2018 Winter Olympics. As a sitting president, Park cannot be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason, but she can be investigated and potentially charged once her term is over.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 27, 2016 08:22 UTC