iStock/Thinkstock(SEOUL, South Korea) — South Korea’s national assembly voted Friday to impeach President Park Geun-hye over her alleged links to a corruption scandal.
Backed by overwhelming public support — evident from the millions of South Koreans who have filled the streets in recent weeks demanding her impeachment — the opposition-controlled parliament passed the motion by 234 votes out of 300.
The Constitutional Court now has up to 180 days to determine whether to formally end Park’s presidency. Until then, Park is suspended, not removed, while all duties will be temporarily relegated to Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn.
At a Cabinet meeting after the vote, Park apologized for her “negligence.”
“I’d like to say that I’m deeply sorry to the people because the nation has to experience this turmoil because of my negligence and lack of virtue at a time when our security and economy both face difficulties,” Park said, adding she’s preparing for the court review of the impeachment.
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