SEOUL, South Korea -- South Korea's opposition-controlled National Assembly voted Friday to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo, intensifying the political crisis ignited by his predecessor, President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial declaration of martial law. Han's impeachment now places him at the same level of instability as the ousted Yoon, only weeks apart from the unprecedented suspensions of the country's two top officials.
The resounding vote saw 192 lawmakers supporting the motion, with the governing People Power Party (PPP) staging protests at the assembly, claiming the vote was invalid. The members boycotted the process, encircling the podium of the assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, demanding his resignation. No incidents of violence were reported during the uproar, but the chaos highlighted the schism dividing South Korean politics.
Han’s powers have been put on hold until the Constitutional Court assesses whether to sustain or overturn his removal. Given the contextual backdrop, the court's verdict is mission-critical for South Korea's political future, especially as it also reviews Yoon's impeachment due to the martial law decree.
Upon his impeachment, Han issued a statement expressing regret, emphasizing his commitment to respecting the assembly's decision and suspending his duties to mitigate the uncertainty enveloping the nation. “I will wait for a swift, wise decision,” he stated, highlighting his need for stability amid the political turmoil.
Choi Sang-mok, the deputy prime minister and finance minister, has now stepped up as interim leader and instructed the military to heighten its readiness to deter potential provocations from North Korea. Choi has also tasked the foreign ministry with assuring key allies, including the United States and Japan, of South Korea's resilience and unchanged foreign policy stance.
This impeachment highlights the deep divisions between the democratically elected officials and the growing demands of the opposition Democratic Party, which holds the assembly majority. Key among the opposition's grievances was Han's refusal to appoint candidates for three vacant seats on the Constitutional Court, which would potentially influence the ruling on Yoon's impeachment.
The urgency of the situation intensifies as the Democratic Party fears Han's adherence to PPP's wishes could undermine justice and accountability concerning Yoon’s previous engagements with martial law. At the heart of these impeachments lies the Democratic Party’s insistence on restoring the full nine-member court setup before deliberations on Yoon’s future.
The political strife has sparked fears of potential economic downsides as South Korea faces rising uncertainties and scrutiny from international allies. The fallout from Yoon's decree on martial law, which foreign analysts equated to threats from the vintage era of military rule, left marks on the economy as seen through diminished stock prices and tumbling currency values with experts warning of long-lasting diplomatic and economic repercussions.
Choi Jin, director of the Institute of Presidential Leadership, commented on Han's lack of legitimate reasons to oppose the court appointments, criticizing the rapid advancement of the impeachment by the Democratic Party. “The impeachment has exposed South Korea to exceptional risks at home and abroad,” he cautioned.
The governing party's objections focused on the assertion requiring two-thirds support to pass the impeachment against Han, arguing the decision could be challenged due to the lack of specific laws governing the impeachment of acting presidents. They have filed petitions with the Constitutional Court seeking to evaluate the legitimacy of the impeachment.
The political tremors come amid investigations against Yoon, with allegations he committed insurrection relating to the martial law enactment. His administration faced separate allegations by investigative agencies which have randomly detained his senior officials.
The Constitutional Court had its initial hearing on Yoon’s case the same day as Han’s impeachment, presenting layers of complexity and urgency to the involved parties. If Yoon is convicted, it could trigger national elections to appoint his successor within 60 days.
Rather than contribute to the unification required during the crisis, political maneuvering has seen both parties locked at opposing polls, benefitting rival views on governance. “This condition not only jeopardizes our legitimacy on the world stage but also threatens domestic stability and economic structures,” stated Duyeon Kim, senior analyst entailed with South Korea's international relations.
Public sentiment has begun to reflect the growing disillusionment with the current administration, with many voters dismayed at the visible disarray within leadership structures. Polls suggest the Democratic Party leader, Lee Jae-myung, might gain favor should elections ensue, yet his own challenges could inhibit his prospects as criminal cases loom over his political future.
Increasing agitation within South Korean society conveys the urgent need for resolution amid political pandemonium. With Choi now bearing the burden of leadership, the pivotal question looms: can he restore order and trust when the nation's political depth is uncharted?
