South Korea’s impeached President Park Geun-hye on Sunday broke silence for the first time, denying allegations against her over corruption scandal involving her longtime confidante and Samsung Group’s affiliates. 

Responding to multiple charges including abuse of power and slipping state secrets, she called the ongoing probe as “distorted and false suspicions” and “erroneous media coverage," according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency.

“Misunderstandings have begotten misunderstandings,” Park said.

"Rumors, stories and broadcasts have been distorted, and false information has been getting out of hand," said the suspended president during the New Year’s greeting meeting with reporters.

Park denied giving favors on the merger of Samsung C&T Corp. and Cheil Industries Inc in return for financial contributions to organizations linking to her friend Choi Soon-sil. 

She also responded to her inaction during a 2014 ferry disaster killing more than 300 people, saying she had carried out official duties on day of the tragedy. 

Responding to allegations that her confidante Choi had influenced state affairs, Park said she had run the country based on her philosophy and conviction. 

China has not responded to this matter, but has previously said it had been watching the development of South Korea's political situation and would not interfere in any country’s domestic affairs. However, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on Dec 9 that when it comes to the issue of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-ballistic missile, China holds a consistent and clear position -- it opposes the deployment of THAAD by the US and South Korea, as it compromises China's strategic security interests.

Park's presidency is now in the hands of the Constitutional Court judges who are viewing the legal review of her impeachment case which could last up to 180 days.