ROK parliament votes overwhelmingly to impeach President Park
The Republic of Korean lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on December 9 to impeach President Park Geun-hye over an influence-peddling scandal, setting the stage for her to become the country's first elected leader to be expelled from office in disgrace.
The Constitutional Court must now decide whether to uphold the impeachment, a process that could take up to 180 days.
"I solemnly accept the voice of the parliament and the people and sincerely hope this confusion is soundly resolved," Park told a Cabinet meeting, adding that she would comply with the court's proceedings as well as an investigation by a special prosecutor.
Park, whose approval rating stands at just 5 percent, has resisted demands that she step down immediately.
Under the constitution, Park's duties were assumed by Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on an interim basis until the court rules.
"I stand here with heavy-hearted sadness," Hwang said in a televised address. "As an aide to the president, I feel deep responsibility about the situation we have come to face."
Park, 64, is accused of colluding with a friend and a former aide, both of whom have been indicted by prosecutors, to pressure big businesses to donate to two foundations set up to back her policy initiatives.
Park, who is serving a single five-year term that was set to end in February 2018, has denied wrongdoing but apologized for carelessness in her ties with her friend, Choi Soon-sil.
If Park leaves office early, an election must be held within 60 days.