S. Korean court to hold last session on presidential impeachment next week, heralds ruling in March

South Korea's constitutional court said on Thursday that it will hold the last pleading session on the presidential impeachment a week later, heralding its final ruling before the middle of March.

Lee Jung-mi, the court's acting chief justice, said in the 14th session that hearings will be completed on Feb. 24, asking plaintiffs and defendants to prepare for final arguments on the date.

The court has been deliberating whether to permanently remove President Park Geun-hye from office or reinstate her since the motion to impeach the sandal-scarred leader was passed in the parliament on Dec. 9.

The 15th and 16th sessions are scheduled for next Monday and Wednesday before the final arguments on Friday.

The chief judge's comments indicated the court's ruling around March 10 given that it takes as long as two weeks to reach a conclusion following the final arguments.

President Park's legal team called for the delay of the final arguments, but even if the call is accepted, the ruling is forecast to be handed down before the court's acting chief retires on March 13.

To uphold the impeachment motion, six of the remaining eight justices are required to vote in favor of the bill. If the ruling is made in the absence of another judge, it can severely damage its legitimacy.

Former chief justice of the court stepped down on Jan. 31 as his tenure terminates, calling for the ruling to come out as late as mid-March.

A presidential election is required to be held in 60 days if the court upholds the bill. Enditem