SEOUL (AFP) - A former senior South Korean prosecutor implicated in sexual molestation allegations was charged on Wednesday (April 25) in a high-profile case that triggered the country's #MeToo movement.

Police have said they are investigating more than 70 cases of sexual assault or harassment across the country which have come to light over the past few months, with suspects including politicians, celebrities and artists.

The stream of accusations began when a female district attorney, Seo Ji Hyeon, alleged in a television interview that Ahn Tae Geun groped her during a funeral dinner in 2010.

He allegedly exerted his influence to have her transferred to a provincial position after she complained to the prosecution's internal affairs bureau.

The statute of limitations for sexual misconduct has expired in the case but prosecutors said they indicted Ahn on power abuse charges.

Ahn has said he does not remember the incident and strongly denied he pulled strings to have Seo sent away to a provincial post.

Victims of sex abuse in patriarchal South Korea are reluctant to come forward due to fears of public shaming, but Seo's interview opened a flood of similar revelations.

One of the most high-profile cases is that of Ahn Hee Jung, a former presidential hopeful who was seen as a possible contender to replace President Moon Jae In when his term ends in 2022.

Ahn Hee Jung was formally charged with rape and sexual harassment earlier this month.