South Korea's Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to impeach embattled President Park Geun-Hye.
The country's first female President has had a stunning fall from grace ever since a massive corruption scandal erupted and sparked widespread protests several months ago. Prosecutors have alleged that Ms. Park colluded with a close friend and aide to pressure two of the country's largest companies, Samsung and Hyundai, to donate to two foundations that support her policy initiatives.
The impeachment motion needed the support of two-thirds of the MPs in the 300-seat National Assembly, it easily surpassed that with 236 voting for, and only 56 against. Many members of Park's own Saenuri Party voted against the woman who was once their electoral standard-bearer.
For now, Ms. Park will only be suspended from office while the Constitutional Court decides whether to uphold the motion, a process that could take up to 180 days. In the meantime, the country's Prime Minister will take over as acting President. If Park's impeachment is upheld, fresh presidential elections must be held in 60 days' time.