South Korea is on the brink of political upheaval as the opposition Democratic Party has submitted an impeachment motion against acting President Han Duck-soo. This unprecedented move is rooted in his refusal to fill three vacancies on the Constitutional Court as it prepares to review the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The political crisis has escalated since President Yoon declared martial law on December 3. The National Assembly stripped Yoon of his duties on December 14, but the impeachment process cannot be finalized without the support of the Constitutional Court, which currently lacks three judges. The opposition argues this inability to appoint judges, central to governing the nation’s legal framework, is emblematic of Han's failure to uphold his responsibilities.
Democratic Party MP Park Sung-joon announced, "We have filed the motion... and will report it to the plenary session today," indicating urgency within the party to force action. If passed, it will mark the first time South Korea has impeached an acting president.
Park Chan-dae, the Democratic Party’s floor leader, chastised Han, saying, "Han has revealed himself to be an acting insurrectionist, not an acting president." Han’s argument—that he will only appoint judges if there is bipartisan agreement—has exacerbated tensions with the opposition, which insists on the urgency of filling the court vacancies.
Despite Han’s assertions grounded in constitutional principles, the reality is clear: his refusal to appoint the judges has caused political deadlock. His predecessors have been able to swiftly confirm nominees, yet Han maintains a cautious approach, possibly reflecting his political position and future ambitions.
The acting president's stance has polarizing effects within the National Assembly, which holds 300 seats. The Democrats control 170 of these and would need to sway members from other parties, including Yoon’s People Power Party, to secure the two-thirds majority necessary for impeachment.
Critics argue the situation hinders governance, with Han’s actions— or lack thereof— obstructing high-level diplomacy and rattling South Korea’s financial markets. If he is impeached, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok would assume the role of acting president.
Legal opinions state the power dynamics at play may introduce ambiguity; the standard for impeaching acting presidents is heavily contested between the rival parties. Han argues firmly against exerting presidential powers without consensus, reinforcing his description of the obligations placed upon him as acting president.
The Constitutional Court plays a pivotal role; it currently operates with six justices, yet the absence of three could jeopardize its deliberative process. A dissenting vote could swiftly reinstatement Yoon as president, emphasizing the stakes surrounding the court's composition. The appointments’ delay is particularly poignant as the court gears up to deliberate Yoon’s fate.
Adding to the chaos, Yoon faces serious allegations tied to his martial law declaration. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials has summoned him for questioning over charges of rebellion and abuse of authority. His government’s stance on these issues has been met with resistance, as high-ranking officials, including his defense minister, are already facing consequences.
During this political turmoil, Han has clashed with opposition members over two special probe bills aimed at investigating Yoon and graft allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee. Han’s rejection of these bills received backlash from the Democratic Party, which accused him of undermining the judicial process. “Han is intentionally avoiding the special investigation to probe those involved in the insurrection,” the impeachment motion states, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction with Han’s oversight.
Political analysts suggest the brewing conflict within the National Assembly mirrors the growing frustrations among ordinary citizens, who are watching their leaders engage in what many perceive as self-serving political maneuvering rather than addressing pressing issues.
Park Chan-dae reiterated the Democratic Party's commitment to the impeachment motion, asserting, “Once the ruling and opposition parties submit an agreed-upon measure, I will immediately appoint the Constitutional Court justices,” asserting the necessity of acting decisively.
Should the impeachment motion against Han pass, it would not only reshape South Korea's leadership but could also introduce far-reaching changes to its political fabric, illustrating the fragility of governance as both parties juggle their convictions against the backdrop of rising public discontent.
The country stands at a crossroads, facing challenges reminiscent of its past strife with authoritarian leadership—an echo of its history perhaps best left behind. Han’s next moves will be pivotal not just for his political future but potentially for the stability of South Korea itself.
