South Korea sets presidential impeachment vote

South Korea’s opposition-controlled parliament introduced a bill Thursday 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 300-seat National Assembly must back impeachment for the bill to pass. If it passes, the prime minister would rule while the court decides.

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, South Korea’s first female president, took office in 2013 and has been considered a strong ally of Washington willing to help counter China, the regional power.

Her approval ratings have plunged to 4% amid the scandal, and opinion polls show that the vast majority of South Koreans support impeachment.