On Thursday, members of the civic organization “Seoul People’s Dream,” held a candlelight vigil in Sinchon, western Seoul, while the Youth Anti-Government Association called for a strict and thorough investigation at a rally in Gwanghwamun. The young demonstrators have registered another protest at the same spot for Friday.

On Friday harsh criticism echoed throughout the overseas Korean community, which is comprised of 50 countries, urging the president to step down. “We are not just concerned but are shocked with the current state of the nation,” the community said in a statement.

Korean residents in Germany are reportedly planning for a rally in the country for the impeachment of Park.

On Friday, more university students condemned the president. 

“Park and her confidante Choi meddled in the state affairs and abused the values of the nation’s Constitution and people’s rights. As citizens of sovereignty we demand the president to step down and take responsibility,” said law school students from Seoul National University in a public statement.

The general student council of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies also slammed the government Friday for “being ignorant of the demands from society and is avoiding conviction,” and Kyunghee University students are scheduled to hold a protest on Tuesday.

Two university students were arrested and brought in for questioning after they appeared at a convention center in the southern city of Busan where President Park attended a forum, chanting “Park Geun-hye, step down. Arrest Choi Soon-sil,” on Thursday.

By Jo He-rim (herim@heraldcorp.com)