South Korean impeachment sales: Goodbye Park, hello free room

SEOUL — For many South Korean business owners, President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment Friday (Dec 9) was a moment to celebrate — with a sale.

A hotel in the harbour city of Busan put a banner outside that all of its rooms were free Friday to mark Ms Park’s suspension as president, pending a court ruling on whether to remove her from office. Mom-and-pop restaurants, a hotel near a famous beach, a music shop and a clothing store were among businesses offering discounts.

One South Korean who runs a restaurant selling US$2 rice rolls known as gimbap in western Seoul said she will sell them a quarter cheaper until Saturday to celebrate.

As the influence-peddling scandal involving Ms Park and a longtime confidante unfolded, South Korean consumer sentiment hit its lowest level in seven years in November. AP