Since the scandal broke out in late October, a total of 15.6 million people have participated in the anti-Park protests across the nation, according to the organizers.

The liberal party leader also used the occasion to attack acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn, who has emerged as a potential presidential candidate from the rival conservative camp.

The prime minister who has been substituting for Park is partly responsible for Park’s fall, Rep. Choo insisted, saying the acting president should limit his exercise of authority to a minimal level.

The Democratic Party’s leading presidential hopeful Moon Jae-in expressed gratitude toward the Constitutional Court and citizens.

“We witnessed the value of the First Amendment of our Constitution today. History moves forward with great people,” Moon said in a statement.

Other presidential contenders from the opposition camp -- South Chungcheong Gov. An Hee-jung and Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung -- also hailed the verdict.

The splinter conservative Bareun Party, which broke off from Park’s Liberty Korea Party in January, also welcomed the court’s decision.

“It is a historical moment in which a new history begins. Today’s ruling showed that our decision to break off (from Park’s party) and join the campaign for the parliamentary impeachment was right,” the party said.

The party’s leaders, including Chairman Rep. Choung Byoung-gug, resigned en masse to clear the way for a new leadership.

“The Bareun Party led the impeachment (movement) to protect South Korea’s justice and the Constitution. Now I will step aside and let a new figure lead at this turning point,” Rep. Choung said.

The centrist opposition People’s Party also vowed to work for the nation’s comprehensive reform and prepare for a fair competition in the upcoming presidential election, which is likely to take place on May 9.

By Jo He-rim (herim@heraldcorp.com)