News / Koreas

Ousted South Korean president leaves Blue House, apologizes to nation

Sunday, 12 March 2017 1:59 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 12 March 2017 3:14 PM ]

South Korea's former President Park Geun-hye waves in a car as she arrives at her private residence in Seoul on March 12, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

South Korea's impeached President Park Geun-Hye has issued an apology for not completing her full term as she left the presidential complex, two days after the Constitutional Court voted to remove her from office.

Park left the presidential complex, the so-called Blue House, shortly after 19:00 local time (10:00 GMT) on Sunday.

The ousted president arrived at her private residence in southern Seoul, where she was greeted by hundreds of her supporters.

Local TV footage followed her motorcade as it drove from the Blue House to Park's private home in Samseong district.

Hundreds of Park's flag-waving supporters had gathered outside her home.

Some 2,000 police officers were deployed to prevent any unwanted incident of violence.

She also apologized to her supporters for "failing to fulfill my duty as president."

"I would like to express an apology for failing to fulfill my term," Park said, adding, "Although it may take time, I believe the truth will eventually be revealed."

On March 10, the country’s Constitutional Court formally removed Park from office over a massive corruption scandal. The court unanimously upheld President Park’s impeachment over a graft scandal involving big businesses.

She has been accused of using her power to secure donations for foundations set up by her close friend, Choi Soon-sil.

South Korea's former President Park Geun-Hye (C) arrives at her private residence in Seoul on March 12, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Park has now lost her immunity and could face criminal proceedings.

Park is the first democratically-elected leader to be forced from office in South Korea.

The country must elect a new president by early May.

Following months of weekend gatherings, thousands of people opposed to Park’s rule took to the streets in Seoul on Saturday to celebrate her departure and demand the apprehension of the ousted president.

Confrontations occurred during rival rallies, and at least three people were reported killed in the skirmishes.

South Korean liberal politician Moon Jae-in, who is likely to succeed Park, has promised justice and common sense if he wins office.

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