On Monday, the Constitutional Court of South Korea reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president after overturning his impeachment. Political unrest in South Korea, which has been worse since President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached, has taken a dramatic turn with this decision.
Following Yoon’s impeachment due to his contentious effort to impose martial law, Han Duck-soo took over as interim president in December last year. Just two weeks later, Parliament impeached Han, accusing him of refusing to appoint justices to the Constitutional Court and obstructing an investigation into President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee.
The opposition-led Parliament also blamed Han for not preventing Yoon’s marital law declaration. The court ruled 7-1 to dismiss the impeachment, stating Han had not violated the constitution or South Korean law.
Five justices acknowledged the impeachment motion’s validity but deemed the evidence insufficient for removal. Two justices argued the motion lacked a parliamentary majority, while one voted for impeachment.
Han resumed his role as active president immediately after the ruling and expressed gratitude to the court. The political crisis began on December 3 when Yoon imposed martial law, a declaration Parliament swiftly overturned after chaotic resistance to security forces.
The ensuing turmoil, including Han’s brief impeachment, disrupted governance in Asia’s fourth-largest economy and raised concerns among international allies like the US. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok served as acting president during Hans’ suspension.
Meanwhile, the court continues reviewing President Yoon’s impeachment, a ruling that could profoundly shape South Korea’s political future. Political analysts suggest reinstating Han signals the court’s effort to appear impartial and uphold stability during turbulent times.
