South Korean President Park Geun-hye has become the first democratically elected leader to be ousted by court. Ms Park is involved in a corruption scandal involving her close friend, Choi Soon-sil. She now loses her presidential immunity and she could face criminal charges.
There have been angry scenes outside the court, two protesters had died. An election must be held within 60 days. The BBC reports that acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn has called for calm, stating the government should remain stable to avoid more problems.
Ms Choi is accused of using her presidential connections to put pressure on companies to give millions of dollars in donations to non-profit foundations that she controls. Ms Park is alleged to have been personally involved in this. On Friday, a panel of judges ruled Ms Park's actions "seriously impaired the spirit of... democracy and the rule of law".
Reaction in South Korea
The final decision is being celebrated by many, but some people disliked the decision of the court. Pro-Park protesters turned on police, two people believed to be pro-Park died. Besides a possible trial for Ms Park, there is also the ongoing prosecution of Ms Choi.
The de-facto head of Samsung, Lee Jae-yong, is also on trial because of corruption charges linked to the scandal. Analysts believe that the protests in recent months have sent a strong signal that the close link between politicians and the chaebols must change. A new election could modify the political landscape, but society remains deeply divided.
South Korea is split and nobody knows what will happen. The outcome is uncertain, but polls indicate a leftward shift. If the government moves to the left, it will have consequences for the relationship with North Korea and the United States.
