South Korea's main opposition party has taken drastic steps to address the political quagmire engulfing the nation by filing a motion to impeach the acting president, Han Duck-soo. This unprecedented move came as frustrations mounted over Han's reluctance to fill three vacancies on the Constitutional Court, vacancies deemed necessary for the court's impending review of rebellion charges against the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. The Democratic Party announced its intentions on Thursday, signaling deepening political turmoil.
Democratic Party legislator Park Sung-joon conveyed the seriousness of the action to reporters at the National Assembly, stating, "We have filed the motion ... and will report it to the plenary session today. We will put it to a vote tomorrow." South Korea's political crisis escalated significantly after President Yoon imposed martial law on December 3, which led to the parliament stripping him of his duties on December 14. For the impeachment to proceed, the Constitutional Court must affirm the legislators' decision.
The court faces complications, as it is currently down three judges. While proceedings can continue with six justices, any dissenting vote could reinstate Yoon, which has prompted the opposition to stress the urgent need for judicial appointments. Han has steadfastly declined to appoint the justices without bipartisan consensus, exacerbated by the opposition's insistence on accountability for the martial law declaration.
Han defended his approach during televised statements, asserting, "The consistent spirit reflected in our Constitution and laws is to refrain from exercising significant powers exclusive to the president, including appointments to constitutional institutions," as he expressed his focus on maintaining stability amid crisis.
Further complicities arose as the National Assembly called for the appointments of the three judges this week, immediately following Han's restatement of his conditions for proceeding. His refusal drew sharp criticisms from Speaker Woo Won-shik, who argued, "It infringes on the National Assembly’s right to select Constitutional Court justices." The Democratic Party has pointed fingers at Han, likening his actions to neglecting his constitutional duties criminally.
The stakes could not be higher. If the opposition succeeds in its impeachment motion during tomorrow's vote, South Korea would witness its first impeachment of an acting president under its democratic regime. Such actions would inevitably plunge the nation even closer to political chaos.
Choi Sang-mok, the Finance Minister, would take over Han's duties if the impeachment succeeds. The foundations of this political crisis lie not only within Han's reluctance to appoint judges but also the circumstances under which Yoon declared martial law—a series of actions described by his critics as unconstitutional and potentially punishing.
Reflecting the depth of this crisis, the impeachment motion accuses Han of "intentionally avoiding the special investigation to probe those involved in the insurrection and has clearly stated his intention to reject the appointments of three Constitutional Court judges." These claims come amid allegations against Yoon for abuse of authority linked to martial law and corruption inquiries involving his wife, Kim Keon-hee.
To date, Yoon himself has consistently evaded law enforcement inquiries, including multiple requests for questioning about the insurrection charges. This culminated with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials summoning him to appear on Sunday for questioning.
The Democrats have rapidly mobilized against Han, calling his constitutional commitment and qualities as acting president seriously lacking. "It has become clear... Han Duck-soo does not have the qualification or the will to safeguard the Constitution," Democratic party floor leader Park Chan-dae declared.
Earlier this week, Han turned away opposition demands for special investigative bills aimed at probing potential misconduct linked with Yoon's actions during his martial law imposition. Such refusals have only fueled mounting discussions of impeachment.
The road ahead remains shrouded with uncertainty. Several high-profile officials, including Yoon's defence minister and police chief, have already been detained amid these legal troubles as the opposition parties push toward potential impeachment.
The dual prosecution approach suits the Democratic Party, which sees the move against Han as beneficial not just politically but as part of upholding the integrity of their parliamentary democracy. Following potential impeachment proceedings, should they gain more parliamentary support, the opposition hopes to compel Yoon to answer for his actions.
Despite the opposition's majority control over the National Assembly, securing the necessary votes may prove challenging. The ambiguity surrounding the requirement for impeaching acting presidents remains contentious, with disagreements over whether it demands merely a majority vote or two-thirds consensus.
If the Democrats successfully impeach Han, it will significantly reshape South Korea's political dynamics. It is the culmination of rising tensions, legal uncertainty surrounding Yoon's administration, and questions about the future of governance during one of South Korea's most heated political periods.
