South Korean President Impeached

Amid growing protests, South Korea's President Park Geun-hye was officially stripped of power by the country's parliament on Friday. Of 300 lawmakers, 234 voted for suspending Park from her position. 

According to South Korea’s governmental independent counsel, Park is accused of colluding with her cabinet member, Choi-Soon-Sil, to pressure big businesses to donate to two foundations for personal interests. 

Before the impeachment, Park addressed the nation and denied the accusations as groundless.

“I have never pursued any private benefits. I regarded the recent string of issues as business that can benefit the public and during the process I have not gained any personal benefits. However, it is still my fault since I did not properly manage my cabinet members,” she said. 

Nevertheless, millions of South Koreans took to the streets of Seoul every weekend for the past month to demand Park’s removal.

 “As a Korean, I am feeling embarrassed. How could she deny such shameful action? We don’t want her to be the President anymore!” said one Korean resident. 

As mandated by the constitution, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn steps in as acting president. The prime minister is the country’s second in line, but the position is without major power.   

Some experts believe the courts will need more time to decide Park’s case. 

Korean university professor, Cho Wonbin, explained: “What the public wants is the most fundamental factor to be considered in this situation. The ruling party is expected to continue votes for impeachment in order to correspond to the calls from the public.” 

Though many want the country’s political turmoil to come to an end, the Constitutional Court will have 180 days to determine whether to unseat Park, or restore her presidential powers. 

Within 60 days, a new election will be held again nationwide. The scandal is likely to cause voters to remain skeptical about the future of the country’s politics and its next leader.