South Korea's Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president on Monday, March 24, 2025, after dismissing his impeachment by the National Assembly. This judicial decision marks a crucial development in a political saga characterized by turmoil, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial declaration of martial law late last year.
Han took on the role of acting president after Yoon was suspended on December 14, 2024, due to his failed attempt to impose martial law, which briefly disrupted civil legal processes and heightened political instability. However, Han's time in office was short-lived—lasting less than two weeks—before lawmakers voted to impeach him as well. The impetus for Han's impeachment centered on his refusal to appoint judges to fill three vacant seats in the Constitutional Court, an action the opposition deemed a violation of his constitutional duties that undermined the rule of law.
Ultimately, the court ruled by a vote of seven to one against the impeachment motion, allowing Han to return to his duties. "I thank the Constitutional Court for its wise decision," Han remarked shortly after the ruling was announced, signaling his intent to stabilize the government amid ongoing crises.
The political landscape in South Korea remains tense as the same court is anticipated to make a ruling on Yoon's impeachment, a decision that will significantly influence the nation's political trajectory. If the court decides to uphold Yoon's impeachment, South Korea will be required to hold a presidential election within 60 days, creating a climate of uncertainty and urgency that the nation has not felt for years.
Political analyst Leif-Eric Easley noted that the court's decision to dismiss Han's impeachment was strategically positioned to maintain stability during a tumultuous transitional period. "This ruling serves to admonish progressive parties for their overzealousness in impeaching government officials," Easley noted, further emphasizing the challenges faced by the side opposed to Yoon's leadership.
During the unrest leading up to Han's reinstatement, hundreds of thousands filled the streets of Seoul. Protestors have been divided between Yoon's supporters and opponents, showcasing the deep political divide currently afflicting South Korea. In this fractious environment, Yoon's controversial martial law declaration was arguably a major catalyst for the chaos. It was an unprecedented move that attempted to allay rising tensions between the ruling and opposition parties but backfired spectacularly.
Yoon's declaration had blurred the lines of legality within the nation's democratic processes, leading to swift condemnation and resistance from the National Assembly. Lawmakers forcibly intervened, overriding Yoon's decree within hours, highlighting their refusal to acquiesce to what they perceived as an authoritarian measure. Han Duck-soo, throughout the turmoil, denied any active role in advancing martial law, insisting that he attempted to dissuade Yoon during a cabinet meeting preceding the president's speech.
The court’s ruling, while restoring Han's authority, has not quelled fears about the potential for further instability. Han, who is a seasoned politician at 75 years old, emphasized the need for South Korea to overcome its current polarization to face challenges from both within and outside its borders, particularly concerning North Korea and global economic pressures.
Four out of eight justices opined that Han's refusal to appoint the three Constitutional Court justices violated the constitution but deemed it insufficient grounds for his impeachment. This highlights a tendency in the court to maintain checks on aggressive political maneuvers while navigating a tense landscape of governance.
Discussions about Yoon's potential impeachment continue, with both sides of the aisle bracing for what could be a defining moment in South Korea's democratic process. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung contended, "When Mr. Yoon is removed from office, that is when we can start to end the confusion and restore normalcy," signifying a profound desire for a political reset.
Despite Han's reinstatement, the Constitutional Court's future decisions regarding Yoon's fate loom large, a reflection of the fragile equilibrium currently underpinning South Korean democracy. Even as Han resumes his duties, the nation is held in suspense, awaiting a resolution that could either stabilize the government further or plunge it back into chaos.
This ruling presents a moment for both the government and the citizens of South Korea to reflect on the developments of the past year, and to consider ways to bridge electoral divides, seeking a unified response to challenges creeping from both the North and from the complexities of global relations.
