South Korean PM Han Duck-soo reinstated as acting president after impeachment overturned
South Korea’s recent political upheaval has left the nation in a state of uncertainty, with President Yoon Suk Yeol being impeached on Dec. 14 after declaring martial law. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo then took over as the acting leader before facing his own impeachment. However, the country’s Constitutional Court overturned Han’s impeachment, reinstating him as the acting leader on Monday.
The successive impeachments of the country’s top two officials have deepened domestic divisions, leading to massive rival rallies both supporting and denouncing Yoon in the streets of Seoul and other major cities in South Korea.
The recent ruling by the Constitutional Court to reinstate Han Duck-soo as the acting leader has sparked speculation about the upcoming verdict on President Yoon Suk Yeol. While Han’s case may not directly impact Yoon’s impeachment, it has emboldened Yoon’s supporters and intensified their political offensive on the opposition.
In a press conference following his reinstatement, Han expressed gratitude to the court for its decision and pledged to focus on addressing urgent matters, including navigating the rapidly changing global trade landscape. He also emphasized the importance of national unity, urging the country to prioritize its advancement over political divides.
The impeachment of President Yoon stemmed from his controversial declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, a move that was met with swift opposition and led to his subsequent removal from office. The unprecedented chain of events has raised concerns about South Korea’s diplomatic and economic stability, with the nation grappling with the fallout of its leadership crisis.
One of the key triggers for Han’s impeachment was his refusal to fill vacant seats on the Constitutional Court, a move that was seen as obstructing the judiciary’s ability to address critical issues, including Yoon’s impeachment. The court’s decision to overturn Han’s impeachment has further polarized public opinion, with the ruling party expressing disappointment and calling for a swift resolution to Yoon’s case.
As South Korea awaits the court’s verdict on President Yoon, the nation remains divided, with rival factions staging demonstrations and voicing their support or opposition to the embattled leader. The outcome of Yoon’s impeachment will have far-reaching implications for the country, determining whether South Korea will proceed with a presidential election or reinstate Yoon to power.
Despite the uncertainty and turmoil, South Korea is navigating through a critical juncture in its political history, with the fate of its leadership hanging in the balance. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the nation’s path forward and its ability to overcome the current challenges it faces.
