PARK OUSTED

By Park Si-soo

Eight justices of the Constitutional Court have unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye in a historic ruling that will put an end to long-lasting political turmoil and social unrest triggered by a widespread corruption scandal involving Park and her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil.

Park's action had "seriously impaired the spirit of democracy and the rule of law," Constitutional Court Chief Justice Lee Jung-mi said. "President Park Geun-hye has been dismissed."

Park is South Korea's first democratically elected president to be ousted by impeachment. The decision has also stripped Park of legal shields that have blocked her prosecution and other legal action against her.

The Chief Justice said Park was found to have broken the law by allowing Choi to meddle in state affairs, and breached rules on public servants' activities.

"Park's breaching of the Constitution and the laws betrayed the trust of the people," Lee said, describing Park's actions as "a serious and unacceptable violation of the laws."

The President "completely concealed Choi's meddling in state affairs and denied it whenever suspicions over the act emerged and even criticized those who raised the suspicions."

One of Park's lawyers expressed "strong regrets" over the verdict. But Kwon Seong-dong, a lawmaker and a member of the parliamentary Indictment Committee, said the verdict confirmed "the rule of law that all people, including the president, are equal in front of the law."

Police issued a "Gabho" emergency order in Seoul before Friday's announcement, the highest level possible. Officers are on standby for expected protests, with 270 units mobilized -- about 21,000 officers in total.

Park's aides said Friday they are discussing her future action to cope with the ramifications of her departure from office.

"We are in talks now over the future course of action," an aide told Yonhap News Agency, declining to be named. "We will let you know about it when things are straightened up."

Park’s arrest was needed to “hedge the risk of Park fleeing or destroying evidence,” Judge Kang Bu-yeong of the Seoul Central District Court wrote in a ruling statement. ...

Park Geun-hye's close friend who is at the heart of an influence-peddling scandal that led to her ouster on Friday apologized to the former president, the confidante's lawyer said....

The Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye Friday, saying she abused her power to help her friend Choi Soon-sil pursue personal gains. Park was imme...

President Park Geun-hye has been stripped of her presidential name tag following the Constitutional Court’s decision over a high-profile corruption scandal and now faces an extensi...

The Constitutional Court’s ruling has conferred on former President Park Geun-hye a shameful ticket to join the league of disgraced leaders. Now she sees her name tarnished irrepar...

While the Constitutional Court’s ruling has put an end to Park Geun-hye’s scandal-tarnished presidency, it also pulled the trigger on the race to decide the next landlord of Cheong...

The Constitutional Court’s landmark ruling has stripped Park Geun-hye of her presidency as well as legal shields that have blocked her prosecution and other legal action. The decis...

Police will raise their alert level to its highest on Friday morning as the Constitutional Court prepares to deliver its ruling on President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment at 11 a.m. ...

Supporters and critics of President Park Geun-hye are gearing up their rallies to the greatest intensity possible to express their opinions, with the Constitutional Court set to de...

Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn
Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn