South Korean lawmakers on Friday passed an impeachment motion against President Park Geun-Hye
President Park was stripped off her sweeping executive powers over a corruption scandal that paralysed her administration and triggered massive street protests.
The National Assembly motion — passed by 234 votes to 56 — transfers Park’s authority to the prime minister, pending a decision by the Constitutional Court on whether to ratify the decision and permanently remove the president from office.
On Thursday, December 8, 2016, the South Korea’s parliament introduced a bill to impeach President Park, hence, setting the stage for a historic vote to oust the embattled leader engulfed in an influence-peddling scandal.
Park apologized on national TV following the vote, saying she was careless and had caused a “big national chaos” — an apparent reference to her sharing classified information with a confidante lacking security clearance.
“I solemnly accept the voices of the National Assembly and the people and sincerely hope that the current confusion will come to an end in an orderly manner,” said Park, the country’s first female leader.
“… I will respond to the impeachment judgment of the constitutional court and the investigation of the special prosecutors, following the procedures set by the constitution and the law with (a) calm mind-set and then will accept its decision.”
Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn will be acting President for the duration of the court’s deliberation.
He vowed to “run state affairs in a correct and transparent manner.”
“I earnestly and humbly ask all of you to unite so that the voices on the streets can be sublimated into the driving force behind the effort to overcome the current national crisis,” Hwang said.
Under the South Korean Constitution, impeachment requires a two-thirds majority of the 300-member legislature to pass.
Thousands took to the streets to celebrate the news. National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun made the announcement, saying lawmakers had an obligation to restore order and to execute the functions of the government.
In a phone call with Defense Minister Han Min-koo, the acting President said that North Korea possibly could use the political upheaval to stir up trouble south of the 38th parallel and that the South Korean military should maintain its readiness.
“While retaining a watertight national defense posture, the government will work closely with the international community to thoroughly respond to the North Korean nuclear problem,” Hwang said.
Park has faced massive protests since it emerged that her confidante and adviser, Choi Soon-sil, had access to confidential government documents despite holding no official government position.
Choi is accused of using her relationship with Park to accumulate millions of dollars in donations to her foundations and has been detained after being charged with abuse of power, fraud and coercion.
Two of Park’s former aides also face criminal charges
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The impeachment is only the country’s second. In 2004, late President Roh Moo-hyun was forced out of office for two months.
The Constitutional Court later restored Roh to power, rejecting charges of abuse of power and mismanagement.
The Constitutional Court’s nine members need to return a two-thirds majority to oust Park.
In that case, a new election would be held within 60 days.
South Korean elections are “highly unpredictable. No one knows (who will win) until the last minute,” said John Delury, associate professor of Chinese studies at Yonsei University’s Graduate School of International Studies.
“It’s going to be extremely difficult for a candidate from (Park’s) party to win — there is such deep ill will and discontent toward her and her party.”
He added there are about half a dozen serious contenders for the presidency if Park is removed.
Much of the parties’ platforms will focus on domestic issues, said Delury, with corruption and a separation between government and big business high on the agenda.
