South Korean president ousted from office following impeachment

World Today

ROK

Park Geun-hye has become the first South Korean president to be forced from office, after the country’s Constitutional Court officially impeached her. There were angry scenes outside the courthouse in Seoul following the verdict.

CGTN’s Jack Barton reports.

Supporters of ousted South Korean President Park reacted violently to the impeachment verdict handed down by the Constitutional Court. At least two of Park’s supporters reportedly died in the clashes that followed the announcement.

Clashes with police and between pro and anti-Park demonstrators broke out after eight constitutional judges found Park guilty of leaking state secrets and allowing a close friend to influence government affairs.

The judges’ decision means there will be fresh elections in South Korea and that Park has been stripped of her immunity from prosecution.

The corruption scandal has involved many of South Korea’s biggest companies and led to the arrest of Samsung’s acting chief.

The country’s prime minister and acting president, Hwang Kyo-Ahn called for calm and stability.

“I respect the Constitutional Court’s decision and feel a grave responsibility, as the person in charge of the government, in bringing about what has never happened in constitutional history,” Hwang said.

Thousands of riot police tried their best to keep the two opposing protest groups apart. With emotions running high supporters of Park Geun-hye said they will continue to protest against the constitutional court’s verdict.