The reinstatement of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as South Korea's acting president follows a Constitutional Court decision that nullified his impeachment. This court ruling comes amid growing political turbulence linked to the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
South Korean Constitutional Court Overturns Impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo
South Korean Constitutional Court Overturns Impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo
In a pivotal ruling, South Korea's Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was previously impeached by the National Assembly.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea has been reinstated as acting president following a ruling from the country's Constitutional Court on Monday, which overturned the National Assembly's decision to impeach him. The tumultuous political climate in South Korea has been amplified since President Yoon Suk Yeol was also impeached in December 2024 due to his controversial attempt to impose martial law.
Mr. Han's original stint as acting president lasted less than two weeks before the Assembly impeached him on December 27, adding to the political uncertainty in a nation that is a key ally of the United States in the region. The country's Constitutional Court is expected to provide a final verdict soon on President Yoon's future, creating a sense of anticipation and anxiety among the South Korean populace.
Should President Yoon be successfully removed, a new presidential election will need to take place within a mere 60 days; conversely, if reinstated, he will face a sharply divided nation weary of the ongoing political crisis. The Constitutional Court has the authority to make final decisions on whether officials impeached by the National Assembly should remain in office or be dismissed, and its ruling on Mr. Han took immediate effect without the possibility of an appeal.
Following Han's impeachment, the Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has been serving in the role as acting president. The National Assembly's accusations against Mr. Han centered on allegations of complicity in President Yoon's illegal martial law declaration and dereliction of duty for not appointing three Constitutional Court justices selected by Parliament. Mr. Han has vehemently denied these charges.
