South Korea’s steps towards impeachment

South Korean lawmakers are pushing ahead with plans to impeach
President Park Geun-hye, rejecting her offer to resign amid a growing corruption scandal involving longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil

IMPEACHMENT MOTION At least one-thirdof members in 300-seat National Assembly –South Korea’s parliament – propose motion,backed by simple majority of lawmakers

IMPEACHMENT BILL Needs support ofat least 200 members of parliament to pass.Opposition and independent lawmakers have172 seats, so they would need 28 membersof Park’s conservative Saenuri Party to jointhem – several have said they will

SUSPENSION If bill passes,Park is immediately suspended as president but not removed. Her duties are temporarily transferred to Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn

REVIEW Constitutional Court required to make rulingon parliament’s decision within 180 days. If at least six of nine judges back impeachment, Parkis officially removed from office and country has 60 days to elect successor. If judges overturn motion, Park immediately returns to power 

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PRESIDENT PARK    
State prosecutors say Park conspired with Choi Soon-sil (right) to extort tens of millions of dollars from South Korean companies, and helped Choi access confidential government documents

Choi is daughter of late religious cult leader Choi Tae-min, who was Park’s mentor. She became friends with Park after president’s father,Park Chung-hee, was assassinated in 1979

Source: Wire agencies
Pictures: Associated Press, Newscom