It's been 35 days since the independent counsel team officially launched its investigation into the sprawling power abuse scandal centered on President Park Geun-hye's long time confidante Choi Soon-sil.
And now it appears to be getting closer to a possible search of the presidential office itself.
Our Hwang Hojun reports from the independent counsel office.
The special team has completed its review of the legalities of searching the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae.
Led by independent counsel Park Young-soo, the team confirmed in its afternoon briefing that it is now looking at the logistics of a possible search.
As for the team's stated plan to question President Park in person by early next month, its spokesperson did not give an exact date for when that would happen.
But, the team said it will inform the public as soon as it decides... in order to coordinate a schedule with the presidential office.
President Park has previously said she would cooperate with questioning by the independent counsel, but her legal team challenged the neutrality of the probe, fueling suspicions that she could dodge the interrogation.
In October and November of last year, Cheong Wa Dae rejected searches of the compound, saying the documents of the presidential office are top secret, and that such a search is unprecedented.
Also on Tuesday, the independent counsel summoned former presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon and now-former culture minster Cho Yoon-sun for questioning on charges related to a blacklist of artists critical of the government. They arrived at the counsel's office Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the independent counsel team marked day-35 of its investigation into the corruption scandal -- the halfway point.
"With the encouragement and interest from the public, we've been investigating in accordance with the law. We will continue our investigation and bring the probe to a successful conclusion."
The independent counsel team officially kicked off on the 21st of December last year and has until the 28th of next month to finish its investigation.
"According to the law, the independent counsel can request a 30-day extension, which must be made three days prior to the original end date and must be approved by Korea's Prime Minister and acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn.
Hwang Hojun, Arirang News."
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