South Korea’s parliament has voted to impeach President Park Geun-hye over a corruption scandal.

The motion passed by 234 votes to 56, meaning some members of Park’s ruling Saenuri party voted in favour, reports the BBC.

Hwang Kyo-ahn, the country’s prime minister, has become interim president.

Thousands of people took to the streets in recent weeks demanding Park’s removal.

After the vote, she again apologized that she had “created this national chaos with my carelessness”.

At the heart of the crisis is the relationship between Ms Park and a close confidante, Choi Soon-sil, who stands accused of using her connections to gain influence and financial benefits.

She is custody, facing charges of coercion and abuse of power.

Prosecutors say Ms Park had a “considerable” role in the alleged corruption, which she has denied.

BDST: 1819 HRS, DEC 09, 2016
SR