Choi Soon-sil, the close confidante of President of Park Geun-hye who allegedly interfered in key state affairs, returned to South Korea on Sunday. While Choi’s lawyer apologized to the people on her behalf, she did not make a public appearance and asked for “time to recover,” citing physical illness and mental distress.

“Choi arrived (in Incheon International Airport) at 7:30 a.m. from London’s Heathrow Airport via a British Airways flight,” prosecutors said in a press release on Sunday morning. 

Choi’s return came a day after prosecutors raided the homes of key presidential officials suspected of being involved in the scandal, and six days after President Park apologized to the nation for consulting with Choi, who has never held public office, on confidential information.

The apology failed to calm the public who held a candlelight rally in central Seoul on Saturday demanding answers from Park.

Since evidence -- computer files obtained by local channel JTBC -- surfaced last Monday that Choi has meddled in state affairs, there have been calls for the President to step down.

The consecutive reports showed Choi making key policy decisions for Park, ranging from wardrobe choices to editing speeches.

She is also suspected of raising some 80 billion won ($70 million) in slush funds from conglomerates through the Mir and the K-Sports foundations, which are backed by the government.

“Choi returned back home voluntarily in response to a prosecutorial summoning and shall faithfully cooperate in the investigation,” said Lee Kyung-jae, legal representative speaking for Choi and her daughter, at a press briefing held two hours after Choi’s landing. Choi did not make her appearance.

“We have asked the investigators in charge for some time so that Choi may recover from her recent health challenges, as well as from the long trip,” the lawyer said.

The prosecution also said, shortly after Lee’s press briefing, that it will not immediately summon Choi.

“Choi has expressed her sincere apologies for causing frustration and disappointment to the people,” the lawyer said.

But he refused to elaborate on the charges raised against her, claiming that it is the investigators role to find out the truth by questioning Choi.

Meanwhile, tension escalated between the prosecutors and Cheong Wa Dae on Sunday as a search and seizure of the offices of key presidential officials is expected to take place. Authorities attempted a search on Saturday but the Blue House resisted, citing confidentiality.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)