Impeachment Defense

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We begin with a look at President Park Geun-hye’s defense statement submitted to the Constitutional Court at her impeachment trial. The statement argues that to impeach Park over irregularities involving her confidants constitutes guilt by association. Here’s more.

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President Park Geun-hye's defense team has argued that for Park to take full responsibility for Choi Soon-sil's actions because of her ties with Choi violates the rule banning guilt by association. The team also claimed that if Choi's corruptive acts are the ground for Park's impeachment, then all past presidents whose close aides were involved in irregularities are also subject to impeachment. Park's legal representatives also denied the allegation that Choi interfered in state affairs. Park's team referred to Choi as a "kitchen cabinet," a term describing a collection of unofficial advisers who convey public opinion, saying the notion is a socially acceptable idea. Regarding Park's approval ratings at five percent and "public sentiment" cited in the impeachment motion, the team said it's unconstitutional to demand the president to resign based on her decreased public support. With Park's defense statement fully unveiled, intense legal wrangling is expected in the coming days.