Seoul (AFP) – South Korea’s disgraced former president Park Geun-hye was found guilty of abuse of power, bribery and coercion by a Seoul court Friday.
“The accused is guilty of abuse of power,” said Judge Kim Se-yoon, ruling that Park had forced companies to donate a total of 77.4 billion won ($72 million) to two foundations controlled by her secret confidante Choi Soon-sil.
Park’s sentencing will follow the verdicts on the remaining charges she faces. The former leader was not present for Friday’s judgement.