The political climate of South Korea is fraught with tension as the main opposition party, the Democratic Party of Korea, seeks to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo. This move follows the unprecedented impeachment of previous President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, 2024, which was precipitated by his declaration of military emergency earlier on December 3, 2024.
Seoul is currently grappling with the fallout from Yoon's ousting, which has been characterized as the country's most severe political crisis in decades. The Democratic Party argues for the need for independent investigations related to decisions made during Yoon's presidency, particularly those surrounding his controversial military actions and his wife's alleged corruption. With the opposition holding 170 out of 300 seats in the National Assembly, they believe they have the necessary support to initiate the impeachment process.
According to Park Chan-dae, the leader of the Democratic Party, the impending impeachment of Han is not only justified by his refusal to pass legislation aimed at investigating these controversies but also reflects his complicity with Yoon's actions. Park stated, "We have clearly warned it is entirely up to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo whether he will go down in history as the disgraceful figure of the puppet leader of the coup plan, Yoon Suk Yeol, or as the public servant who faithfully obeys the command of society," reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Han Duck-soo's administration has been criticized for vetoing several bills supported by the opposition, which has exacerbated tensions. Notably, these bills included initiatives to probe the military emergency declared by Yoon, as well as the various allegations against Yoon's wife, Kim Keon Hee. Despite the Democratic Party’s calls for immediate action, Han has urged for more negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties, which has led to accusations from Park of stalling and bad faith. "The attitude of Han Duck-soo leaves us no choice but to interpret it as his intention to continue the insurrection by delaying the process," continued Park, emphasizing the sense of urgency within the opposition.
Opposition leaders have asserted they need only a simple majority for Han's impeachment, as the legal stipulations governing cabinet members differ from those applied to the presidency. Han's supporters, primarily from the ruling People Power Party, argue otherwise, claiming the threshold for impeachment should reflect the standing of the acting president and would, hence, require two-thirds support.
Kweon Seong-dong, the leader of the People Power Party, criticized what he calls the "coercive politics" of the Democratic Party, claiming their tactics create unnecessary instability. He remarked, "The coercive politics of the Democratic Party have reached their peak," framing the opposition's actions as illegitimate encroachments on the proper exercise of Han's presidential powers.
While Han Duck-soo navigates these treacherous political waters, he also faces the pressing responsibility of responding to the inquiries initiated by various investigative bodies probing Yoon's actions and the surrounding controversies. The urgency of those investigations adds another layer of complexity to his position, with numerous high-ranking officials already facing accusations of complicity and misconduct related to the military deployment during political protests.
The South Korean Constitutional Court has up to six months to adjudicate Yoon's impeachment, but the situation remains fluid as opposition factions prepare to mobilize and solidify their efforts against Han. Whether the Democratic Party will move tactically or escalate tensions with another impeachment vote remains to be seen.
With political stakes at their highest, this tumultuous chapter of South Korea's politics reveals wider questions about governance, accountability, and the rule of law. The outcome of these actions may shape not only the short-term political futures of those involved but the broader dynamics of governance within the country.
