South Korean lawmakers impeach Acting President Han Duck-Soo
South Korean lawmakers on Friday impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo, marking a first in the country’s history and intensifying political instability sparked by the recent suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol over a controversial martial law declaration.
Han Duck-soo, who is also the Prime Minister, stepped in as acting president following Yoon’s suspension earlier this month. However, opposition MPs called for Han’s removal, accusing him of blocking the completion of Yoon’s impeachment process and refusing to approve appointments for three Constitutional Court judges critical to resolving the impasse.
“I announce that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment motion has passed. Out of the 192 lawmakers who voted, 192 voted to impeach,” said National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.
The impeachment motion further deepens the political crisis in South Korea, already grappling with economic uncertainties. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has been appointed as acting president pending the Constitutional Court’s decision on Han’s impeachment.
The opposition’s move came after Han declined to appoint judges necessary to complete the nine-member Constitutional Court bench. The court currently has six members, which allows proceedings but requires unanimity to uphold any impeachment ruling.
Opposition lawmakers accused Han of deliberately undermining constitutional order, with Democratic Party lawmaker Jo Seoung-lae stating, “Han’s refusal to appoint the judges revealed his true colours. This is a direct challenge to the Constitution.”
Read also:South Korea’s President to step aside after impeachment vote
In response, Han defended his position, arguing that appointments should reflect bipartisan consensus. “A consensus between the ruling and opposition parties must first be reached,” the 75-year-old said.
The political crisis has also rattled markets. The South Korean won plunged to its lowest level in nearly 16 years, trading at 1,480.2 per US dollar on Friday, as investors shied away from the currency amid growing uncertainty.
Police have also begun investigating allegations surrounding the martial law declaration, including raiding a presidential safe house and reviewing security footage.
The Constitutional Court held its first preliminary hearing on President Yoon’s impeachment on Friday, while legal representatives for Yoon prepared for the next stage of the trial.
The unfolding political drama places South Korea’s democratic stability under intense scrutiny, with both domestic and international stakeholders watching closely.
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