South Korea's opposition parties on Tuesday recommended two former prosecutors as candidates for the independent counsel to investigate an influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her confidante.

The main opposition Democratic Party and the splinter People's Party said they have picked lawyers Cho Seung-shik and Park Young-soo.

The president is supposed to select one by Friday. Her spokesman said she will finalize the appointment without any delay.

Prosecutors have named the president as an accomplice in the case centering on her confidante Choi Soon-sil, who is accused of meddling in state affairs and pressuring businesses to donate to nonprofit organizations she controlled.

The independent investigation team, consisting of 105 members including 20 prosecutors, is expected to begin work next month. It has a mandate to investigate the case for 90 days, which can be extended by 30 days. (Yonhap)