Impeachment trial ruling expected early March

By Lee Kyung-min

The Constitutional Court set Feb. 24 as the final date of the impeachment trial of President Park Geun-hye, Thursday.

Acting court President Lee Jung-mi said the judges would hear closing arguments from both the National Assembly prosecutorial panel and defense attorneys representing Park.

“Both sides are to submit written arguments on Feb. 23 and prepare for closing arguments the next day,” Lee said.

The court decision is expected around March 10, given that it takes up to 14 days for deliberation. The schedule for an early presidential election and other necessary political events will follow afterward if the impeachment is upheld.

Park’s defense attorneys vehemently opposed the court’s plan, saying it puts them under a severe time constraint.

“If the ruling is made within the court-designated timeframe, it is bound to lack a full deliberation. It is too dangerous,” said Lee Joong-hwan, one of the defense attorneys.

However, Kang Il-won, one of the presiding judges said it was unlikely for the court to withdraw the announced plan just because of their opposition.

Rep. Kwon Seong-dong of the rthe Bareun Party, a new conservative party which broke away from the Saenuri Party, said the prosecutorial panel would comply with the court’s order.

“We will convene an impeachment committee to fully deliberate the motion and submit our report to the court on Feb. 23, as requested,” Kwon said during a press conference at the National Assembly.