South Korean President Park Geun-hye faces impeachment vote

In a major setback for South Korean President Park Geun-hye, lawmakers in the National Assembly have voted to begin proceedings of impeachment againsther.

According to a CNN report, the country's constitutional court will now deliberate the motion that could take up to 180 days.

Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn will become Acting President for the duration of the court's deliberation.

Under the South Korean constitution, impeachment requires a two-thirds majority of the 300-member legislature to pass.

President Park Geun-hye has been swimming in troubled waters since it was revealed that her confidante and adviser, Choi Soon-sil, had access to confidential government documents despite holding no official government position.

Choi is accused of using her relationship with Park to accumulate millions of dollars in donations to her foundations and has been detained after being charged with abuse of power, fraud and coercion.

The Constitution states that impeachment requires a two-thirds majority of the 300-member legislature to pass.

--ANI