Opposition vows to impeach Park at rally
Lawmakers from three opposition parties — the Democratic Party of Korea, the People’s Party and the Justice Party — hold placards during a rally at the National Assembly, Wednesday, calling for the ruling Saenuri Party to join a vote on the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. / Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo
The three main opposition parties held a joint rally at the National Assembly, Wednesday, vowing to collaborate firmly for the passage of an impeachment motion against President Park Geun-hye.
Lawmakers from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and two minor opposition parties ― the People’s Party and the Justice Party ― reaffirmed that impeaching Park is the only measure to normalize state affairs paralyzed by a corruption scandal surrounding Park and her confidant Choi Soon-sil.
“This is to show our firm resolution that we remain united until the end,” the three parties said.
They also said they will continue to cooperate after Park’s possible impeachment to revamp and stabilize government affairs, although they have not yet set up a specific plan for if they succeed in ousting the President.
The opposition asked for the arrest and detention of Park’s former chief of staff Kim Ki-choon and her former senior secretary for civil affairs Woo Byung-woo, holding them responsible for the corruption scandal as well.
Kim has denied his alleged connections to Choi despite testimonies from Cha Eun-taek, a pop music director and Choi’s former confidant, that she ordered him to meet Kim concerning the government’s cultural affairs.
Woo is also suspected of a link to Choi in addition to separate allegations over embezzlement and abuse of power.