The political landscape in South Korea is facing unprecedented challenges following the impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo. This development comes on the heels of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ousting, creating a leadership vacuum that South Korea has never experienced before.
On December 27, 2024, Han Duck-soo was impeached, deepening the political crisis that began with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment on December 14. The acting president’s removal has thrust South Korea into a state of uncertainty, with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok stepping in as the interim leader. Choi’s immediate response was to bolster military readiness against potential North Korean threats and assure diplomatic partners, including the U.S. and Japan, of South Korea’s commitment to international alliances.
The impeachment proceedings against Han were set in motion by the opposition Democratic Party (DP), which holds a majority in the National Assembly. A key point of contention was Han’s refusal to swiftly appoint justices to the Constitutional Court, a move the DP argued was essential to ensure impartiality in ruling on President Yoon’s impeachment. Critics argue that Han’s delay suggested alignment with Yoon’s supporters within the ruling People Power Party (PPP), who hope to restore Yoon to power.
Diplomatic implications of Han’s impeachment are significant. It occurred at a time when South Korea was attempting to project stability following Yoon’s brief martial law declaration, which had already strained relations with international partners concerned about regional stability. The political upheaval might lead to economic and cultural repercussions as South Korea’s credibility on the international stage could be compromised.
The legislative body is now embroiled in a debate about the validity of Han’s impeachment, as it was passed with a simple majority rather than the two-thirds vote required for a sitting president. This legal ambiguity has led the PPP to petition the Constitutional Court to annul the decision. The court, which has up to 180 days to make a ruling, is expected to resolve the matter sooner given the urgency of the situation.
Should the court uphold Yoon’s impeachment, a presidential election is mandated within 60 days to elect his successor. The Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung emerges as a frontrunner in this scenario, despite his ongoing legal controversies which might impede his candidacy. Under South Korean law, a sitting president enjoys immunity from most prosecutions, a factor that could influence electoral dynamics.
As South Korea treads through this political quagmire, the nation’s focus remains on stabilizing its leadership. The political confrontation between the DP and PPP reflects wider societal divisions and raises questions about the future governance and international standing of South Korea.
The impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo signals a critical juncture in South Korea’s political narrative, challenging the nation to navigate through a period of intense uncertainty. With international relations and domestic stability at stake, the coming months will be pivotal in defining South Korea’s path forward.
Source: News4jax
