South Korea’s political landscape faces further turbulence as the opposition filed an impeachment motion on Thursday against Acting President Han Duck-soo. The move intensifies an ongoing deadlock over the Constitutional Court’s composition and escalates the crisis triggered by the suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The turmoil began on December 3, when President Yoon declared martial law, a controversial move that led to his suspension by parliament on December 14. However, the impeachment process requires a ruling from the Constitutional Court, which is currently operating with only six of its nine judges. A single dissenting vote from the reduced bench could reinstate Yoon, creating a stalemate.
The opposition Democratic Party (DP) insists that Han must approve three nominees to fill the vacancies on the court. Han, however, has refused, citing the need for consensus between his ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the opposition before any appointments can be made.
“We have filed the motion… and will report it to the plenary session today,” MP Park Sung-joon of the DP announced at the National Assembly. The motion accuses Han of failing in his duty as acting president by refusing to appoint judges or enact two special probe bills. These bills seek to investigate Yoon’s declaration of martial law and allegations of corruption involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee.
Acting President Stands Firm
Han has defended his stance, arguing that significant presidential powers, such as judicial appointments, should only be exercised with bipartisan consensus. “A consensus between the ruling and opposition parties in the National Assembly, representing the people, must first be reached,” Han said in a statement.
If the impeachment motion is approved in Friday’s vote, it will mark the first time in South Korea’s democratic history that an acting president is impeached. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is expected to step in as acting president if Han is removed.
Widening Crisis
The impeachment motion is the latest development in a broader crisis engulfing South Korea’s government. President Yoon, facing criminal charges of insurrection for his martial law declaration, could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty if convicted. On Thursday, Yoon was summoned for questioning for the third time, following his refusal to appear on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile, Han’s refusal to approve special investigation bills has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. The bills aim to establish independent investigative bodies to probe allegations of insurrection and corruption involving the suspended president and his wife.
The Democratic Party has accused Han of intentionally blocking investigations and violating his constitutional duties. “These actions are in violation of a public official’s duty to uphold the law… and serve the public,” the impeachment motion reads.
Uncertain Path Ahead
If the impeachment of Han proceeds, it will mark South Korea’s second removal of a head of state within two weeks, further destabilizing the country’s political scene. As the crisis deepens, observers question whether the fractured political factions can find common ground to restore stability to the government.
