(VOVworld)- A close aide to President Park Geun-hye admitted on Wednesday that he had leaked classified information to a woman at the center of a South Korean presidential scandal, but claimed he only intended to help the president.

Former aide to Korean President Park Geun-hye admits classified information leaked to Choi

Jeong Ho-seong, a former presidential secretary, made the argument at the Seoul Central District Court where he stands trial on charges of divulging confidential information to Choi Soon-sil, Park's close friend and confidante

Jeong is accused of working with Park to e-mail or deliver 47 documents classified as official secrets to the woman who has never held a post in government. Choi also received drafts of some speeches that were to be delivered by Park and made corrections to them. The former aide has said he provided the documents in order to get broader feedback.