Constitutional Court Overturns Han Duck-soo’s Impeachment
Seoul: South Korea’s Constitutional Court has dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as the acting leader of the country. The decision comes after months of political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension.
Han’s Brief Stint as Acting Leader Before Impeachment
Han took over as acting president in December 2023 after President Yoon was suspended and impeached by parliament for attempting to declare martial law. However, his tenure was short-lived, as lawmakers impeached him within two weeks. Since then, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok had been leading the country.
Judges Rule 7-1 Against Han’s Impeachment
On Monday, the Constitutional Court ruled 7-1 in favor of Han, dismissing his impeachment. The court’s decision paves the way for Han to resume his role as the country’s acting leader.
“I thank the Constitutional Court for its wise decision,” Han said after the ruling. “I will work to bring the government to order.”
Political Uncertainty Continues as Yoon Awaits Court Verdict
Despite Han’s reinstatement, South Korea remains politically unstable as the Constitutional Court is yet to decide on President Yoon’s impeachment. If the court overturns the decision, Yoon will return to office immediately.
Yoon was impeached by parliament on December 14, but his suspension will only be permanent if the court upholds the impeachment. A date for the final verdict is yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, protests have intensified across Seoul, with supporters and opponents of Yoon taking to the streets in large numbers. Last weekend, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered in the capital, demanding clarity on the leadership crisis.
The court’s upcoming ruling on Yoon’s impeachment will determine the future course of South Korea’s government, making it one of the most closely watched political developments in the country.
