In a major development amid South Korea’s escalating political crisis, the Constitutional Court on Monday overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as the nation’s acting leader. The decision comes as the court continues to deliberate on a separate impeachment case against President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose martial law decree last December plunged the country into turmoil.
Key Highlights:
Court Reinstates Han Duck-soo
The court’s ruling was decisive: seven out of eight justices either overturned or dismissed the impeachment case against Han, citing insufficient legal grounds or procedural flaws. Only one justice supported the impeachment, falling short of the six-justice threshold required to formally remove a top official from office.
Han, a seasoned diplomat and Yoon’s appointee, had been acting as president following Yoon’s impeachment. However, Han himself was impeached in late December by opposition lawmakers who accused him of political obstruction and failing to fill key judicial appointments.
Backdrop: Political Upheaval and Martial Law
The unprecedented back-to-back impeachments of the president and prime minister triggered deep political divisions and raised international concerns about South Korea’s diplomatic stability and economic continuity. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok had stepped in as acting president following Han’s suspension.
The core of the ongoing crisis lies in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on December 3, which sent military and police units to the National Assembly. His stated goal was to prevent unrest, but officers later testified that Yoon had ordered them to block a vote overturning his decree by physically removing lawmakers.
Despite the obstruction, lawmakers eventually convened and unanimously voted to overturn the martial law decree, setting the stage for Yoon’s impeachment. He was later arrested and charged with rebellion, a crime that could carry the death penalty or life imprisonment. Though released on bail on March 8, Yoon awaits a criminal trial.
Nation Divided Over Yoon’s Actions
The political atmosphere in South Korea remains highly volatile, with massive rival rallies either supporting or condemning Yoon. Initial public sentiment was largely critical of the martial law imposition, but Yoon’s support base has since gained momentum, complicating the national discourse.
Judicial Appointments and Strategic Delays
One of the main reasons cited for Han’s impeachment was his refusal to fill three vacant seats on the nine-member Constitutional Court, a move critics claimed was meant to influence the outcome of Yoon’s impeachment case.
Han’s interim replacement, Choi Sang-mok, appointed two new justices, but left the ninth seat unfilled, arguing that bipartisan consent was necessary. Opposition lawmakers accused both Han and Choi of aligning with Yoon’s People Power Party to sway the court.
On Friday, the Democratic Party and other smaller opposition groups introduced a new impeachment motion against Choi, deepening the institutional crisis.
What’s Next: Awaiting the Yoon Ruling
The court has yet to deliver a verdict on Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. If upheld, South Korea will be required to hold a new presidential election. If dismissed, Yoon will be reinstated with full powers. Legal observers had anticipated a ruling by mid-March, but delays have added to national uncertainty.
The Constitutional Court’s decision to reinstate Han Duck-soo offers a measure of stability, but South Korea’s leadership vacuum and legal battles are far from over. The nation now awaits a ruling on President Yoon’s fate, a decision that could reshape South Korea’s political landscape for years to come.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald
