Choices for South Korea’s scandal-hit Park

South Korean President Park Geun-hye is facing mounting calls to step down as prosecutors prepare to question her over allegations of corruption involving her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil

VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION
Election takes place within 60 days –Prime Minister assumes duties of President until successor is chosen

IMPEACHMENT
Motion needs approval by two-thirds majority in Parliament. If upheld by nine-judge Constitutional Court, new election takes place within 60 days. Otherwise President is reinstated

RELINQUISH POWER
President stays in office until end ofher term in Feb 2018, but authority on key state affairs is handed over to new prime minister and cabinet appointed by Parliament

STATUS QUO
Park could stay, hopingthat public protests will subside. President cannot be criminally indicted while in office,except for treason

Crisis: Allegations centre on Choi Soon-sil (right),daughter of late religious leader Choi Tae-min,who was Park’s mentor.Ms Choi befriended Park after president’s father,Park Chung-hee, was assassinated in 1979

Charges: Choi arrested for allegedly coercing companies like Samsung and Hyundai to donate to foundations she profited from, based on her ties to Park. Also accused of involvement in high-level presidential decision-making without security clearance

Source: Wire agencies
Pictures: Associated Press, Newscom