SEOUL, South Korea — A political storm is brewing as the Democratic Party of Korea has initiated impeachment proceedings against Han Duck-soo, the acting president and prime minister, amid rising tensions over judicial appointments. This upheaval follows Han's declaration of intent to delay the appointment of new judges to the Constitutional Court until political consensus can be achieved among the parties.
On December 26, 2024, Han faced mounting pressure from opposition lawmakers after he announced during a government address: "I will delay the appointment of Constitutional Court judges until the ruling and opposition parties present a unified measure." His comments came as the National Assembly had already passed nominations for three candidates to fill vacant positions on the Constitutional Court, with these appointments seen as pivotal for any potential impeachment case against President Yoon Suk-yeol.
The political maneuvering has led the Democratic Party to submit their impeachment motion, which is expected to be voted on within just 24 hours, putting Han under significant scrutiny. Deputy Representative of the Democratic Party, Park Sung-joon, remarked, "We submitted this proposal just before the plenary session of the National Assembly," emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Han's refusal to proceed with the judicial appointments has been framed by the opposition as detrimental to the constitutional integrity of government operations. They allege he is utilizing his position to sidestep accountability measures against President Yoon, who himself has faced criticism and calls for impeachment due to his handling of various controversies, including the imposition of martial law.
The Democratic Party currently holds 170 out of 300 seats, granting them the majority required to initiate impeachment proceedings but necessitating at least 200 votes for successful removal—an uphill battle due to conflicting interests within the assembly. Han invoked the constitution when arguing for necessary political cooperation, stating, "The constitutional and legal spirit is consistent: the president cannot exercise important powers without political agreement. Therefore, any significant action must be endorsed through consensus.”
This political turbulence has the potential to reshape the power dynamics within the South Korean government, especially if the National Assembly decides to move forward decisively against Han. According to the South Korean constitution, if Han is impeached, the Finance Minister would take over as acting president temporarily, which could lead to significant shifts depending on political allegiances.
The pressure is mounting as the clock ticks down to the scheduled vote on December 27. Amidst last-minute negotiations and threats of political fallout, the opposition has made it clear they will push to hold Han accountable, asserting, "The court’s role is to assess executive power, and if necessary, remove those who breach the trust placed by the electorate." Legal experts note the impending vote is not only about Han but about the very fabric of governance and constitutional interpretation within South Korea.
Han's administration faces the stark reality of diminished support from both the public and political factions. Many see the impeachment motion as not only a reaction to his decisions but as reflective of broader discontent with the Yoon administration’s policies. The events of the next few days will prove consequential, shaping not only the future of Han Duck-soo's presidency but possibly impacting the 2024 elections as well, as both parties strategize their positions to sway public opinion.
Political analysts are divided; some foresee the potential for Han to rally support from moderate factions, balancing opposition perspectives, whereas others suggest the push from the Democratic Party could lead to factional rifts within the ruling Power People’s Party, compounding instability.
Regardless of the outcome, the developments are set against the backdrop of heightened political polarization within South Korea, challenging both leaders and constituents alike to navigate the choppy waters of constitutional governance and public trust.
With the National Assembly poised to vote, all eyes are on the imminent decision—one which could either reaffirm the existing power structure or incite significant changes and provoke future political confrontations.
