RKI Network
SEOUL, March 24. South Korea’s Constitutional Court has reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as the country’s acting president, overturning the parliamentary decision to impeach him. Han had assumed the role of acting leader in December after President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from duties following his controversial attempt to declare martial law.
However, Han’s time in office was short-lived, lasting only two weeks before lawmakers voted to impeach him. Since then, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok had been serving as the acting president. South Korea has experienced significant political unrest due to Yoon’s failed martial law attempt, which sparked widespread protests.
In the latest ruling, the Constitutional Court, by a majority of seven to one, struck down Han’s impeachment. Han expressed gratitude to the court for its “wise decision” and vowed to restore order in the government.
The focus now shifts to the impending court ruling on President Yoon’s impeachment, following a parliamentary vote to remove him in December. The Constitutional Court will ultimately determine whether Yoon remains in office or faces removal and a new election.
Recent protests in Seoul have shown significant public division, with supporters of both Yoon and the opposition taking to the streets in large numbers. Analysts suggest that the court’s decision on Han could be a signal of impartiality ahead of its ruling on Yoon, with some seeing it as a strategic move to maintain stability during the current political turmoil.
In total, the Constitutional Court has dismissed nine impeachment motions so far, further highlighting its role in balancing political tensions. The court is expected to set a date for the verdict on Yoon’s impeachment in the coming days.