Seoul: South Korea has entered a new phase of political uncertainty as lawmakers voted to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo. This dramatic decision comes just two weeks after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, further deepening the nation’s political crisis.
A Landmark Decision in South Korean Politics
On Friday, 192 lawmakers in South Korea’s National Assembly voted to impeach Han, surpassing the 151 votes required for the motion to pass.Han took on the role of acting president on December 3 after Yoon\u2019s impeachment, which followed his disputed bid to declare martial law. The opposition argued that Han failed to facilitate the completion of Yoon’s impeachment process, prompting the unprecedented move.
Turmoil in Parliament
The impeachment vote was not without drama. Lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) strongly objected when National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik stated that only 151 votes, a simple majority, were required to impeach Han. This was unlike the 200 votes needed for Yoon’s impeachment, leading to claims of unfairness and misuse of authority.
Ruling party protestors interrupted the session, shouting slogans such as “Invalid!” and “Abuse of power!” while calling for the Speaker to resign. Many PPP members boycotted the vote, but the motion passed overwhelmingly with support from opposition lawmakers.
Immediate Consequences and Next Steps
Han Duck-soo will be suspended from his duties upon formal notification of the impeachment. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is expected to step in as acting president during this turbulent period.South Korea\u2019s Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to determine whether Han\u2019s impeachment will be upheld, as mandated by law.
“I respect the decision of the National Assembly,” Han said following the vote. He pledged to await the Constitutional Court’s ruling and voluntarily suspend his duties to avoid exacerbating the ongoing political chaos.
The Constitutional Court’s Role
The Constitutional Court, currently operating with six judges instead of its full nine-member bench, holds the key to determining Han’s fate. For the impeachment to be upheld, at least six judges must support the motion. This presents a precarious scenario, as a single dissenting vote could overturn the impeachment.
Political and Economic Fallout
The impeachment of both the president and acting president is a first in South Korea’s democratic history. The opposition has accused Han of blocking the appointment of three judges who were slated to oversee President Yoon’s impeachment case. This move, according to critics, undermined the likelihood of a fair trial.
The political turmoil has also shaken South Korea’s economy.The Korean won dropped to its weakest level against the U.S. dollar since the 2008 financial crisis due to rising instability. Both ruling and opposition parties blamed each other for the economic downturn.
Background on Yoon Suk Yeol’s Martial Law Attempt
President Yoon’s impeachment followed his controversial attempt to impose martial law on December 3, a move he justified as necessary to counter “anti-state” forces. Parliament swiftly voted down the order in a dramatic session marked by lawmakers climbing fences and breaking barricades to enter the chamber. Although Yoon later rescinded the martial law order and apologized, his government has faced relentless political and legal challenges since the incident.
Looking Ahead
The removal of Han Duck-soo raises serious questions about South Korea’s ability to navigate its current political gridlock. With both the president and acting president impeached, the nation faces unprecedented uncertainty. As the Constitutional Court deliberates, South Korea’s leaders must work to stabilize the political landscape and restore public confidence in governance.
In the meantime, the opposition and ruling parties remain locked in a bitter blame game, further complicating efforts to resolve the crisis. The road ahead for South Korea is fraught with challenges, but the nation’s democratic institutions will be tested as they seek to uphold the rule of law and protect the country’s stability.
