South Korea's constitutional court upheld an impeachment motion against President Park Geun-hye on Friday, permanently removing her from office. This is the first time this has happened to a South Korean president.

All eight judges at the court upheld the impeachment motion, which takes effect immediately. At least six judges were needed to pass the ruling.

A presidential election will now be held within 60 days, according to the constitution.

The political scandal around Park broke out in late October, when media reported that Park had allowed her long-time confidante Choi Soon-sil to influence the country's policies. The two were also accused of colluding to extort millions of dollars from South Korean conglomerates, including Samsung Group. The scandal resulted in Park's impeachment on December 9 by the National Assembly.

The impeachment ruling, read out on Friday by the constitutional court's acting chief justice Lee Jung-mi, said Park violated the law by allowing Choi to meddle in state affairs. It added that Park and Choi interfered in the decision-making process at two controversial foundations.

The country’s first female president’s involvement in the corruption scandal triggered months of protests around the country, with hundreds of thousands turning up at some rallies. 

Park supporters also gathered in front of the constitutional court on Friday, playing music and waving national flags, to show their backing for the president. 

Park was forced to relinquish her presidential powers after her impeachment in December, but she retained her official title and residence. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn meanwhile became acting president, while the constitutional court reviewed the impeachment motion.

In 2004, another South Korean president, Roh Moo-hyun was impeached by parliament. The constitutional court however reversed the ruling two months later and restored him as president.