Park Geun-hye, the president of South Korea, announced her willingness to resign following a political scandal revealed in October.
In the last few weeks, reports that President Park had revealed classified information to her friend and adviser Choi Soon-sil sparked off massive protests in Seoul. A few days ago, demonstrators said over a million people marched in the capital to demand Park’s removal.
“I will leave to parliament everything about my future including shortening of my term,” Park said in a brief speech.
It’s Park’s last televised appearance since she made her previous apology. Her approval rating is currently at a record low of just 4 percent.
If she is impeached or resigns, an election will be held in 60 days to select a new president for a five-year term.
Choi, Park’s mysterious adviser, has been arrested for extortion, and members of Park’s political party are negotiating in parliament for a dignified end to her presidency.
But many in the opposition think it’s a delaying tactic and vow to continue demanding her removal until she resigns.
“I will step down from my position according to the law once a way is formed to pass on the administration in a stable manner that will also minimize political unrest and vacuum after ruling and opposition parties’ discussion,” Park said in comments translated by Reuters.
(NTD Television)
Front page image: Thousands of South Koreans take to the streets in the city center to participate in a candlelight rally to demand President Park Geun-Hye to step down on November 12, 2016 in Seoul, South Korea. Credit: Jean Chung/Getty Images
