South Korean President Park Geun-Hye has been engulfed by a scandal centering on a confidante who is accused of using personal ties with Park to coerce local firms to donate millions of dollars to a non-profit foundation. The confidante is also accused of interfering in state affairs, and two former advisors are accused of helping her gain entrance to the presidential office. The scandal has sparked nationwide fury, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to call for Park’s resignation. Under South Korea’s constitution, the incumbent president may not be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason. But many argue a sitting president can be investigated by prosecutors, then charged after leaving office. The problem of corruption can only be solved through constitutional reform. For details see the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.

South Korean President Park Geun-Hye has been engulfed by a scandal centering on a confidante who is accused of using personal ties with Park to coerce local firms to donate millions of dollars to a non-profit foundation. The confidante is also accused of interfering in state affairs, and two former advisors are accused of helping her gain entrance to the presidential office. The scandal has sparked nationwide fury, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to call for Park’s resignation. Under South Korea’s constitution, the incumbent president may not be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason. But many argue a sitting president can be investigated by prosecutors, then charged after leaving office. The problem of corruption can only be solved through constitutional reform. For details see the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.

Absolute power definitely leads to corruption, as power corrupts all. South Korea’s constitution has failed its people. In principle no president may run for the same office within five or six years of the end of his/her first term. Any law which is not backed by punishment is not a law, even as a constitution which does not grant the right of resistance is not a real constitution. When autocracy becomes a fact of life, the people have the right, and even the obligation, to engage in resistance.

South Korean President Park Geun-Hye has been engulfed by a scandal centering on a confidante who is accused of using personal ties with Park to coerce local firms to donate millions of dollars to a non-profit foundation. The confidante is also accused of interfering in state affairs, and two former advisors are accused of helping her gain entrance to the presidential office. The scandal has sparked nationwide fury, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to call for Park’s resignation. Under South Korea’s constitution, the incumbent president may not be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason. But many argue a sitting president can be investigated by prosecutors, then charged after leaving office. The problem of corruption can only be solved through constitutional reform. For details see the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.

Absolute power definitely leads to corruption, as power corrupts all. South Korea’s constitution has failed its people. In principle no president may run for the same office within five or six years of the end of his/her first term. Any law which is not backed by punishment is not a law, even as a constitution which does not grant the right of resistance is not a real constitution. When autocracy becomes a fact of life, the people have the right, and even the obligation, to engage in resistance.