A South Korean Buddhist monk, who is in his 60s, set himself on fire during a rally in central Seoul calling for President Park Geun-Hye's ouster on 7 January. He has been hospitalised in Seoul National University Hospital with critical burn injuries, said officials on Sunday.
The monk remains unconscious and suffered third-degree burns across his body, informed the hospital staff, according to Channel News Asia.
Yonhap news agency reported that the monk wrote a note asking authorities to arrest the president for committing treason, before setting himself ablaze. Moreover, he called Park a "traitor" and accused her of making a deal with Japan to settle compensation for women, who were taken as sex slaves by Japanese troops during the World War II.
The President is accused of money laundering after she, along with her close confidante Choi Soon-Sil, persuaded local firms to donate lump sum amount of money to non-profit foundations, which was later used by Choi for her personal benefit. It was also alleged that Park also allowed Choi to interfere in the government's matter, like the nomination of top officials. However, both Park and Choi have denied the allegations.
Park was impeached by parliament on 9 December after the country roared in fury against her wrongdoings. Though the country is witnessing one rally after the other asking for the president's complete removal, the Constitutional Court of Korea is yet to confirm the impeachment.
