South Korea’s President Is Impeached After Scandal

In an overwhelming vote on Friday, lawmakers in South Korea’s National Assembly voted to impeach the country’s president Park Geun-hye. The vote was 234-56, with six absent votes.

The impeachment motion could take up to 180 days.

Park Geun Hye had been involved in a corruption scandal where she had shared classified information with a confidante lacking security clearance. She apologized on national TV following the vote, and admitted that she was careless.

“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.

She was 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.”