Constitutional Court Rejects Impeachment Of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo

On March 24, 2025, Han Duck-soo, who has resumed his duties as Prime Minister following the Constitutional Court's decision to reject an impeachment request against him, arrived at the government complex in Seoul. This came 87 days after the impeachment motion, led by the Democratic Party, passed the National Assembly on December 27, 2024. The decision was reached during a hearing held at the Grand Deliberation Chamber of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the justices expressed differing views.

The Constitutional Court, comprised of five justices—Moon Hyung-bae, Lee Mi-sun, Kim Hyung-doo, Jung Jung-mi, and Kim Bok-hyung—voted to dismiss the impeachment, while Justice Jung Gye-seon was the only one to support the impeachment, and two justices submitted separate opinions. This division among the justices had raised expectations that there would be an unanimous ruling, but ultimately, their differing views led to a split decision.

Among the reasons for the impeachment were Han's veto on the appointment of a special prosecutor, suspicions of bribery, and claims of irregularities related to joint national administration with the previous president, yet the five justices found that these accusations did not constitute violations of the Constitution or the law. They stated there was insufficient evidence that Han Duck-soo had actively obstructed the convening of a cabinet meeting which would have addressed issues related to the impeachment.

Furthermore, the justices evaluated the alleged failure to appoint nominees for the Constitutional Court as a breach, but concluded that while such actions might show negligence, they did not warrant dismissal. In contrast, Justice Jung Gye-seon argued that the failure to appoint judicial nominees indeed constituted a serious constitutional violation and justified impeachment.

Reactions to the Court's ruling varied significantly across the political landscape. The ruling party welcomed the decision, decrying the impeachment attempt as politically motivated, while opposition leaders expressed disappointment and raised concerns about public perception following the ruling. Kweon Yeong-se, Chairman of the People Power Party's emergency countermeasures committee, emphasized that the impeachment motion highlighted the strategic maneuvering within the opposition and pointed out the constitutional shortcomings of their actions.

Han's reinstatement was marked by celebratory scenes from supporters, who gathered at Anguk Station, near the Constitutional Court. These supporters waved banners proclaiming slogans like “Fake Impeachment, Null and Void” and chanted calls for the arrest of Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader. Demonstrators celebrated with enthusiasm, showing clear support for the prime minister amid the unfolding national drama.

Amidst calls for national unity and cooperation, Han Duck-soo, during a public address after resuming duties, emphasized the urgency of addressing current issues facing South Korea, particularly in the realm of economic stability amidst tensions related to global trade dynamics. He pledged to work collaboratively with his cabinet and to prioritize the interests of both present and future generations of Koreans as they navigate pressing national concerns.

During his statements upon arrival at the government complex, Han conveyed gratitude for the court's decision and emphatically expressed his intention to dedicate himself to the country's future. “In light of this outcome, I will ensure the stability and smooth functioning of the government moving forward,” Han affirmed.

Currently, as South Korea navigates complex political realities, many are closely watching how these developments might influence upcoming discussions surrounding further political actions, such as the impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Seok-yeol, which are tentatively scheduled for conclusion by March 28, 2025. Analysts indicate that this unfolding situation may reflect on broader themes of accountability and political theater within the nation's governance.

As the day closed, Han Duck-soo commenced urgent meetings to address pressing matters that had been left pending during his suspension. Demonstrating his intentions towards bipartisanship, he called upon all political factions to set aside divisions and work towards unified action on critical national issues.

In conclusion, Han Duck-soo's return to his role as Prime Minister signifies not just a personal victory but potentially heralds a shift in the dynamics of South Korea’s political landscape. The ongoing dialogues and actions in the weeks ahead will be pivotal, as the country remains attuned to its leaders' responsiveness to the citizens' expectations and its complex socio-political environment.