The 2016 South Korean political scandal, famously known as Choi Soon-sil Gate, center around the revelation that President Park Geun-hye was being clandestinely advised and controlled by her long-time confidante, Choi Soon-sil. Despite having no official government position, Choi gained access to classified documents and allegedly influenced state policy through a 'shamanistic' hold over the President. The scandal, which included rumors of a secret group called the 'Eight Fairies,' led to massive candlelight protests and the eventual impeachment of Park. In internet culture, the event is used as the ultimate 'puppet master' meme, representing shadow governments or situations where an unqualified outsider is secretly running a massive organization.