The woman at the centre of a political scandal that has shaken the presidency in South Korea has appeared in court in Seoul.<br /><br /> Choi Soon-sil is suspected of using her friendship with President Park Geun-hye to influence state affairs.<br /><br /> She was detained on Monday. <br /><br /> The court is to review the detention warrant request, while prosecutors are seeking to charge her with abuse of power and attempted fraud. <br /><br /> The president apologised last week for giving Choi access to draft speeches. But questions remain over the full extent of their ties.<br /><br /> Prosecutors are looking into whether Choi used her friendship with the president to force businesses to donate funds to non-profit foundations, and whether she benefited financially.<br /><br /> Each day rallies have been held by people calling for President Park’s removal.<br /><br /> She has replaced her prime minister and finance minister, a move denounced by the opposition as an attempt to divert attention from the scandal.<br /><br /> Meanwhile a former senior adviser to the president has become the second person to be arrested over the scandal.<br /><br /> An Chong-bum, who stepped down late last month, was detained late on Wednesday. Police have said they are looking into allegations that he and Choi Soon-sil have sought to use their connections with the president for illicit means.<br />
