South Korean President Park Geun-hye offers to resign over corruption scandal

South Korea's embattled President Park Geun-hye has offered to step down and asked the parliament to iron out a procedure for her resignation if necessary. In a televised address on Tuesday (29 November) Park said that she would leave her fate in the hands of parliament.

"I will leave to parliament everything about my future including shortening of my term," said the South Korean leader, who has been facing increasing criticism over the influence-peddling scandal.

In her emotional speech, Park said she is disheartened not to assuage the public outrage over the last few days.

Park's leadership has been threatened since a major corruption scandal erupted in late October involving her and her confidante. Opposition parties and retired politicians have been calling on Park to relinquish her position voluntarily and avoid a bitter impeachment – procedures for which have already been set in motion.