Over the past six weeks, South Korea has endured the largest, organized protest in the history of the nation. Growing frustrations over President Park Geun-hye have driven students, children, men, and women to the streets of Seoul, South Korea’s capital. President Park is under fire for her involvement with her close confidante’s questionable business practices and interference in government affairs. Park’s lifelong friend and close confidante, Choi Soon-sil, was arrested and charged with abuse of power and attempted fraud. Choi was found to have used her close relationship with Park to gain access to government funds. Choi used this access to transport money into her own foundations. Choi placed government money into the K-Sports Foundation and the Mir Foundation. Both of these companies had millions of dollars in funds days after they were created. This obviously caught the attention of law officials in South Korea.

Choi’s relationship with Park goes way back. After Park’s mother was assassinated and later her father was assassinated, Choi’s father reached out to Park and provided assistance to her. Choi’s father, Choi Tae-min, was a self-proclaimed modern-day Buddha who created the Church of Eternal Life and began his own teachings. Tae-min used this teaching to influence many of Park’s life decisions. After Tae-min died, his daughter, Choi Soon-sil, continued his teachings. Choi used her father’s methods to basically have control over Park’s body and decision-making.

The people of South Korea expressed their desire for the impeachment of President Park through peaceful protests. As of this past week, South Koreans prayers were answered when President Park Geun-hye was impeached of the presidency and ordered to step down by South Korean Parliament. The protests lasted weeks but the persistence and effectiveness off them proved to be worth it.