South Korea is yet again facing political upheaval as the National Assembly gears up for the impeachment vote of acting President Han Duck-soo on December 27, 2024. This turmoil follows the recent, abrupt martial law declaration by suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 3, 2024, startling the nation and undermining financial stability.
The main opposition party, the Democratic Party (DP), which holds significant sway with 170 seats out of 300, has accused Han of complicity with Yoon's controversial decisions and of deliberately hindering the impeachment process aimed against Yoon. The push to impeach Han, who took over from Yoon just two weeks ago, has amplified political uncertainty, with lawmakers roused to action by perceived threats to constitutional governance.
"The economy and the people's livelihoods are walking on thin ice under a national state of emergency," warned Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, urging lawmakers to reconsider the impeachment bid. His caution reflects the sharp decline of the South Korean won, which fell below 1,480 won per US dollar, marking its lowest point since March 2009 – a direct signal of the financial markets' unease amid political chaos.
The DP's impeachment motion arrives after Han's refusal to appoint three judges to fill vacancies on the Constitutional Court. This refusal has become the crux of the conflict, as the opposition contends it's emblematic of Han's inability to adhere to his constitutional responsibilities. Lawmaker Jo Seoung-lae remarked, "Han’s refusal to formally appoint the three judges revealed his true colours," indicating the demonstration of power by Han's administration.
The current political crisis has been ignited by Yoon's contentious tenure, which has seen unprecedented actions since his short-lived martial law declaration. Following his suspension from duties on December 14, 2024, the nation's political environment has grappled with instability and detracting concerns from both the public and international allies.
Suspended President Yoon has appointed his legal defense team to contest the impeachment process and the related allegations of insurrection stemming from the martial law episode. This move has drawn attention not just nationally but globally, as allies like the United States and Europe observe the situation with unease. Yoon faces significant scrutiny and investigations centered upon his authority during this infamous decree.
The DP has claimed they will continue to pursue Han's impeachment, asserting their belief to be acting on the public’s behalf. Party leader Lee Jae-myung has stated, "The only way to normalize the country is to swiftly root out all the insurrection forces," positioning the party's actions as one rooted firmly in restoring public confidence and constitutional order.
Legal tension emerges from the ambiguity surrounding whether Han requires a simple majority or the traditionally more stringent two-thirds majority to be impeached. This is complicated by the current political alignment, which could either see the DP consolidates its power or lead to heightened conflict and division among lawmakers.
Han has maintained his stance, claiming he won't appoint the judges until there is bipartisan agreement. This has led to rising frustrations from the opposition, which accuses him of abusing his power to impede the impeachment process. "A consensus between the ruling and opposition parties must first be reached," Han said, underscoring the gridlock currently stagnated at the heart of South Korea's governance.
Commentators warn this crisis is entering unprecedented territory, drawing parallels to South Korea's historical challenges but asserting the current state reflects the gravest crisis since the democratization period began back in 1987. The Constitutional Court’s upcoming deliberations on Yoon's impeachment will be especially pivotal, not only determining Yoon's fate but also the future of the nation’s executive leadership.
With the looming potential for Yoon to either return to power or face definitive removal, the political stakes have never been higher. If Han is impeached, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is poised to step up as acting president, ushering in yet another layer of uncertainty at the helm of the executive branch.
Both current events and public sentiment will significantly dictate the outcome of this impeachment vote, reflecting larger truths about the state of governance, public trust, and the future direction of South Korean democracy amid significant disruption.
