Samsung-linked scandal takes down South Korea's president
A court upheld the impeachment of Park Geun-hye over a corruption scandal.
The same scandal behind the arrest and indictment of Samsung exec and heir Lee Jae-yong has resulted in the removal of South Korean president Park Geun-Hye. Parliament impeached Park on December 9th over charges including bribery and corruption for allegedly trying to squeeze money out of large companies in return for favors. Today's unanimous court decision by eight judges ends the 92-day leadership crisis (the country's prime minister had assumed her duties) and triggers the process for a new election to take place within 60 days.
According to Yonhap News, former opposition leader Moon Jae-in is leading in the polls. As for Park, her impeachment comes due to accusations that adviser Choi Soon-sil used her connection with the president to force companies to donate millions to foundations she controlled. An investigation into the charges continues, and Park's impeachment means she loses protection from prosecution.
