On March 26, 2025, South Korea's Prime Minister Han Duck-soo called for respect for the Constitutional Court's decision regarding President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial, amid growing concerns over potential violence and unrest. Han's comments came as the country faced significant political turmoil, with the opposition Democratic Party ramping up pressure for the appointment of Ma Eun-hyuk as a Constitutional Court Justice.
In a statement, Han emphasized the importance of respecting the court's ruling, regardless of its outcome. "The decision made by the Constitutional Court, whatever the result may be, should be respected as a legal judgment made through democratic processes," he said. However, he refrained from addressing his own stance on the court's directive to appoint Ma, leading to accusations of hypocrisy from critics.
The Democratic Party, which is seeking to leverage the situation to its advantage, has indicated that Han's failure to appoint Ma could lead to further political consequences, including potential impeachment. Party leader Lee Jae-myung asserted that Han's return to power does not merely restore authority but also increases his responsibilities. "We expect you to appoint Ma immediately," Lee urged Han.
Han's silence on the matter has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the Constitutional Court's previous ruling indicated that the lack of a judge's appointment constitutes a violation. Legal experts, including Professor Lee Joon-il from Korea University, expressed concern that if Han continues to delay the appointment, it might lead to a situation where he himself could face impeachment for failing to fulfill constitutional obligations.
In a related development, the Democratic Party's leadership is contemplating a dual impeachment strategy targeting both Han and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, amid fears that the Constitutional Court may dismiss Yoon's impeachment trial altogether. This comes as the People Power Party successfully postponed a plenary session originally scheduled for March 27 due to the ongoing national forest fire crisis.
Despite the pressing need for disaster management, the Democratic Party's focus remains on the impeachment proceedings against Yoon. During a press conference held outside the Constitutional Court, Representative Park Chan-dae criticized the court's inaction, stating, "The silence of the Constitutional Court seems to have forgotten its reason for existence, leading to unrest and delaying the restoration of constitutional order." He warned that the growing public anger could reignite the flames of civil unrest.
The ongoing forest fires in the Yeongnam region, which have resulted in 18 fatalities and widespread destruction, have been overshadowed by the political maneuvering in Seoul. The Democratic Party has faced criticism for prioritizing impeachment discussions over urgent disaster response, with some members expressing concerns about the potential backlash from voters who may perceive the party as being out of touch with the needs of the public.
Adding to the political tensions, Kim Seon-min, the leader of the Innovation Party, also called on Han to appoint Ma this week, threatening to collaborate with opposition parties to initiate impeachment proceedings against the Prime Minister if he fails to act. Kim argued that delaying the appointment undermines the authority of the Constitutional Court and perpetuates instability.
As the political landscape shifts, the Democratic Party's strategy appears to hinge on the outcome of the impeachment trial and the appointment of Ma. If Ma is confirmed, it would bring the number of justices linked to the 'Our Law Research Society' to six out of nine, potentially influencing future rulings.
While the Democratic Party continues to push for Ma's appointment, there are growing concerns about the implications of a hardline approach toward Han and the overall governance of the nation. Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum cautioned against the risks of pursuing impeachment during a time of economic hardship and disaster recovery, questioning how the party would manage if the economic chief were also impeached.
As the situation unfolds, both the government and the opposition are grappling with the delicate balance between political strategy and public accountability, especially in light of the ongoing forest fire crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
In summary, the political climate in South Korea remains charged as the government grapples with the fallout from President Yoon's impeachment trial, the pressure for judicial appointments, and the urgent need to address the devastating effects of natural disasters. The coming days will be crucial in determining the direction of both governance and public sentiment.
