The eight-judge court will read its final ruling around 11 a.m. local time (0200 GMT), which will be broadcast live as public attention is centered on the scandal-hit president's fate.

If more than six out of eight justices uphold the impeachment bill, Park will be removed from office permanently. If over three judges reject the motion, she will be reinstated immediately.

The bill to impeach President Park was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 9 by an overwhelming majority.

A total of 20 hearings had been held since Feb. 27. Tens of witnesses appeared in the courtroom for questioning.

In recent months, almost 80 percent of South Koreans had supported Park's impeachment, but some 15 percent had opposed it.

If the court upholds the motion, President Park will become the first South Korean leader to be ousted through impeachment.

In 2004, late President Roh Moo-hyun was impeached, but he was reinstated two months later.

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