South Korea Sets Presidential Impeachment Vote

TEHRAN (Tasnim) - South Korea's opposition-controlled parliament on Thursday introduced a bill to impeach President Park Geun-Hye as the leader of Asia's fourth largest economy battles a political scandal.

An impeachment vote is likely Friday. If impeached, South Korea's Constitutional Court will have 180 days to determine whether to unseat Park, 64, or restore her presidential powers.

Two-thirds of the country's 300-seat National Assembly must back impeachment for the bill to pass. If it passes, the prime minister would rule while the court decides, according to the USA Today.

Prosecutors say Park let a corrupt friend and former aide manipulate government affairs and extort businesses. Park has denied wrongdoing but admits being careless in her affairs. She has publicly apologized for the scandal several times.

Park took office in 2013 and has been considered a strong ally of Washington in the region willing to help counter a strong China.