SEOUL - South Korea's political scene is undergoing seismic shifts as the acting president, Han Duck-soo, finds himself facing impeachment only two weeks after taking office. The turmoil began with the controversial martial law declaration by his predecessor, President Yoon Suk Yeol, leading to his suspension on December 14. Now, as political contention deepens, opposition lawmakers are mobilizing for Han's removal, which could mark the first time in South Korea's history for such action against an acting president.
The crisis ignited when Han Duck-soo, previously the prime minister, was elevated to acting president. This transition was necessitated by the impeachment of Yoon, who had declared martial law on December 3—an unprecedented move after 45 years. The opposition has accused Han of not cooperating with necessary processes to complete Yoon's impeachment, especially his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court, which is tasked with determining the fate of Yoon's presidency.
Opposition claims suggest Han is "intentionally avoiding the special investigation" related to the events preceding Yoon's suspension. An impeachment motion has been filed against Han, arguing he has neglected his duties as a public official by disregarding constitutional requirements. Han, who addressed the situation via televised speeches, defended his actions, asserting, "The acting president should refrain from exercising the president’s own significant powers, including the appointment of constitutional institutions."
This statement has drawn ire from the opposition, particularly Democratic Party lawmaker Jo Seoung-lae, who insists Han’s refusal to appoint judges is "a direct challenge to the Constitution and the law." Han's position hinges on the necessity for consensus between the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the opposition. The divide magnifies the chaos as both sides disagree on the required votes for impeachment—while the ruling party demands two-thirds, the opposition believes a simple majority should suffice.
Cha Jina, a professor at Korea University, remarked on the historic nature of these proceedings. Commenting on the unique situation, she said, "The circumstances are unparalleled as South Korea faces the impeachment of both the president and the acting president consecutively." The political crisis not only destabilizes governance but has also affected South Korea's economy, prompting declines in consumer confidence and the local currency, the won.
Adding to the urgency, the Constitutional Court is operating with only six justices after three retired, underlining the precariousness of decisions on the impeachment. With just one dissenting vote, the court could overturn Yoon’s impeachment, compounding the political uncertainty. This precarious judicial situation has incited the necessity for Han to swiftly appoint the three judges to avoid providing grounds for reinstatement of the former president.
While opposition lawmakers prepare for the vote, the impacts of continual political instability are already being felt by the populace. Businesses are wary of the political climate, and fears of exacerbated economic instability loom large. Han’s tenure has barely begun, and yet it has come under immediate scrutiny, with consequences hanging on the balance.
The impeachment vote against Han is set to occur amid these turbulent conditions, and the outcome could redefine the power dynamic within South Korea’s political framework. Han's fate rests not only on political maneuvering but also on the broader societal reaction against the backdrop of Yoon’s earlier unprecedented actions.
If Han is successfully impeached, the finance minister Choi Sang-mok would ascend as acting president, presenting yet another layer to this already convoluted political narrative. Observers are watching closely, as the results of this vote may have far-reaching effects on the nation’s governance and its economic stability.
This situation encapsulates the tangled web of South Korean politics, where each political maneuver carries the weight of historical significance and immediate consequences. With both the judiciary and the legislature at the center of this storm, South Korea stands on the brink of redefining its political structure amid unrest.
