Electronics company Samsung has admitted it gave a horse to the daughter of a woman who is at the centre of a corruption scandal embroiling the South Korean president.

Lawmakers were questioning leaders of big businesses coque Wiko Ridge in a rare TV hearing, as part of a huge corruption inquiry.

Eight firms admit donating funds linked to President Park Geun-hye, but deny seeking favours.

Parliament is due to vote on Friday on Ms Park's impeachment over the scandal.

Massive protests have been held in recent weeks demanding her resignation.

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The executives are being questioned by a cross-party committee of lawmakers. The panel has no power to punish but its chairman has said the hearing is a place for apology.

Choi Soon-Sil is escorted into the Seoul etui Wiko Ridge Fab Central District Prosecutor's Office in Seoul on 3 November 2016.Image copyrightAFP

Image caption

Choi Soon-sil, the woman at the centre of the scandal, is in custody awaiting trial

The conglomerates are all accused of giving large donations to non-profit foundations operated by Choi Soon-sil, a close confidante of Ms Park. Ms Choi has been charged with coercion and attempted fraud.

Samsung has been accused of donating in exchange for support of a controversial merger that effectively strengthened the position of de-facto company head Lee Jae-yong.