

By Park Si-soo



The Constitutional Court has 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," said constitutional court chief justice Lee Jung-Mi. "President Park Geun-Hye... has been dismissed."

The ruling has made Park 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.



Park was found to have broken the law by allowing her friend Choi Soon-Sil 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," said Lee, describing her 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 criticised 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 the "Gabho" emergency order in Seoul ahead of Friday's announcement, the highest level possible. Officers are on standby for expected protests, with 270 units being mobilized -- about 21,000 in total.



TO BE UPDATED