Published : Nov. 23, 2016 - 10:07
Kim Moo-sung, former head of the ruling Saenuri Party, said Wednesday he will seek the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye over the ongoing influence-peddling scandal.
Kim, considered a key potential presidential contender, also said he will not run for the presidency, but instead focus on normalizing the country in the wake of the current crisis.
"Park has betrayed the people and Saenuri and seriously violated the Constitution," Kim said.
Three opposition parties earlier decided to seek the impeachment of Park officially.
Kim Moo-sung, former head of the ruling Saenuri Party, is surrounded by reporters at the National Assembly on Nov. 23, after a news conference. (Yonhap)
Kim, one of Park's most powerful adversaries, however, said he will remain in the party for the time being. On Tuesday, two high-profile members left Saenuri, expressing discontent with Park loyalists.
But Kim said he also may have to make a "decision" in relation to the process of seeking the impeachment.
Kim said the ruling party is currently reluctant to join the efforts to unseat Park as it is calculating its political gains and losses, adding he will strive to make the impeachment Saenuri's official stance.
Kim also urged the existing party leaders, including chairman Lee Jung-hyun, to immediately step down. Lee earlier suggested he will resign next month. (Yonhap)