South Koreans have divided views on the prison sentence. Our correspondent Shane Hahm has more on people's reactions from Seoul.  

SHANE HAHM SEOUL "The trial for impeached South Korean president Park Geun-hye is winding down. Prosecutors are seeking a 30-year prison sentence and a fine of more than 110 million dollars on charges that include bribery, abuse of power, and coercion. The state claims the defendant left a permanent blemish in the nation's history. We've seen nearly ten months of hearings and testimony from more than 130 witnesses, including former presidential aides and the heads of major corporations such as Samsung Electronics vice chairman, J.Y. Lee. Park's alleged accomplice in this corruption scandal, personal confidante Choi Soon-sil has already been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Experts say considering that many other players in this scandal have already been convicted, it'll be difficult for the former president to escape penalty. But with the latest, the trial and scandal is coming to a close as the entire nation awaits a verdict from the court."

PARK KYONG-ROK SOUTH KOREAN CITIZEN "I feel like the prosecution's decision was appropriate. Above all, I think it's most important for the former President Park to appear in court and cooperate so the truth can be revealed."

RAH IM-YEOL SOUTH KOREAN CITIZEN "I had no idea the prosecutor would demand such a serious penalty. At the same time, I feel like she thoroughly carried out her duties as the nation's head of state during her term."

SHANE HAHM SEOUL "The court's ruling is expected on April 6—a significant time from now until then considering the amount of evidence judges will have to comb through. The defendant herself hasn't appeared at any hearings since last October as a sign of protest against these proceedings. Park has denied all allegations against her. She has the right to appeal any ruling in this case that has a good chance of making it all the way to the Supreme Court."