President Park Geun-hye apologized on national TV after Lawmakers in South Korea’s National Assembly voted overwhelmingly Friday to impeach her over a corruption scandal.
“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.”
The vote was 234-56, with six abstentions, only two third of the majority was needed.
The country’s Constitutional Court will now deliberate the impeachment motion and this could take up to 180 days.
Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn will be acting President for the duration of the court’s deliberation.
“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.
