In a decisive move, South Korea’s National Assembly, dominated by the opposition, has impeached acting President Han Duck-soo. This action follows significant political unrest triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s imposition of martial law, leading to his own impeachment.
Acting President Han Duck-soo faced impeachment after the National Assembly voted 192-0, with members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) abstaining and protesting vehemently. The absence of PPP lawmakers did not herald a peaceful session, as they accused the Assembly Speaker, Woo Won Shik, of invalidly passing the motion and called for his resignation. Despite the tumult, there were no incidents of physical altercations reported.
As a consequence of the impeachment, Han has been stripped of presidential powers pending a decision by the Constitutional Court. This court is simultaneously examining the legitimacy of President Yoon’s earlier impeachment. These twin impeachments have exacerbated South Korea’s political instability, introducing economic unpredictabilities and damaging its international reputation.
The political friction heightened when acting President Han refused the opposition’s push to appoint three Constitutional Court justices, crucial for evaluating Yoon’s impeachment. The Democratic Party, holding a majority, insisted Han approve these appointments to restore the court’s full membership. A bench of nine justices is essential since a dismissal of President Yoon requires the consensus of at least six justices, and appointing additional members could increase the likelihood of upholding Yoon’s impeachment.
Han, citing the need for bipartisan cooperation, opposed these appointments in such a politically charged environment. Consequently, the Democratic Party initiated impeachment proceedings against him, citing collaboration in Yoon’s martial law declaration and hindering investigations into Yoon’s alleged abuses of power.
Meanwhile, Han’s impeachment compels Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok to assume his roles temporarily. Choi quickly reassured South Korea’s military readiness against any potential provocations from North Korea and communicated with international allies to affirm the continuity of South Korea’s foreign policies.
The political crisis in South Korea stems from the March 3rd imposition of martial law by Yoon, which was short-lived but historically significant—as no such enactment had occurred in over four decades. This martial law declaration not only sparked domestic unease but also heightened alarm among neighboring regions. Efforts to align national strategy uniformly have seen Yoon’s power questioned, leading to widespread legal scrutiny and dramatic confrontations.
The tensions culminated in the indictment of former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, a close ally to Yoon, for participating in martial law implementation, thus showcasing the extensive legal ramifications emanating from Yoon’s actions. This unrest shadows all legislative actions, with each side maneuvering to maintain or gain leverage within this fraught political landscape.
The impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo emphasizes the depth of South Korea’s current political strife. As the Constitutional Court reviews these impeachments, the nation’s governance and international relations hang in the balance, awaiting judicial decisions that could reshape its political terrain.
Source: Wsvn
