Park's departure is likely to rile her loyalists within the divided party, but would strengthen LKP leader Hong Joon-pyo's hand in possible negotiations with the splinter Bareun Party for a merger.

Some Bareun members have demanded her removal as a precondition for any talks on the merger, as Hong seeks "grand right-wing unity" to bolster the party's legislative presence and rein in the increasingly assertive liberal ruling bloc.

Park's expulsion marks a culmination of the LKP's months-long reform endeavors to shore up public trust that crumbled after the massive influence-peddling scandal that led to her parliamentary impeachment in December and her ouster in March.

Park, who led the country from 2013-2016, is currently standing trial on bribery, abuse of power and other charges. Denying all accusations, Park has called the trial "political retribution in the name of the rule of law."

The Bareun Party is now on the verge of a split, as Park's removal from the LKP could encourage some of its members to defect. Any defection will deprive the minor party of its status as a parliamentary negotiating bloc that requires at least 20 lawmakers. (Yonhap)