South Korea's prime minister is seeking to calm anxiety over national security and reassure financial markets, a day after parliament voted to impeach President Park Geun-hye.
Large crowds have gathered in South Korea's capital to celebrate the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye over an explosive corruption scandal.
Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who assumed presidential authority late on Friday after the overwhelming impeachment vote, and with more protests against Park due later on Saturday, called on authorities to ensure rallies were peaceful.
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"So far, financial and foreign exchange markets have been relatively stable and there are no signs of unusual movements by the North but all public servants should bear vigilance in mind as they conduct their duties," Hwang told a meeting.
He said national security was the priority and reiterated that the military should be on high alert for any provocation by old rival North Korea, including the possibility of cyber attacks aimed at sowing confusion in the South.
Park's powers were suspended after 234 of parliament's 300 members voted to impeach her, meaning more than 60 members of her own party backed the motion against her.
The impeachment, which has to be approved by a nine-judge Constitutional Court within 180 days to remove Park from office, sets the stage for her to become the country's first elected leader to be ousted in disgrace.
The 64-year-old daughter of a former military ruler is accused of colluding with a friend and a former aide, both of whom prosecutors have indicted, to pressure big businesses to donate to foundations set up to back her policy initiatives.
Park, who is serving a single five-year term ending in February 2018, has denied wrongdoing but apologised for carelessness in her ties with her friend, Choi Soon-sil.
For six consecutive Saturdays, huge crowds have gathered in central Seoul in peaceful demonstrations calling for Park to step down, with another planned for Saturday.
If Park leaves office early, an election must be held within 60 days.
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Protesters make their way to the presedential house in support of the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. Source: AAP
