As South Korea approaches a critical ruling from its Constitutional Court, all eyes are on Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in light of his impending impeachment trial scheduled for March 24, 2025. The decision could have significant bearings on President Yoon Suk-yeol, who himself faces potential impeachment as political tensions escalate.
On March 20, the Constitutional Court confirmed that it would announce its judgment regarding Han Duck-soo's future at 10:00 a.m. on March 24. If the court upholds his impeachment, Han will be removed from office; if the motion is dismissed, he will resume his duties.
Han's situation emerged after President Yoon was impeached in late 2024. Following Yoon’s impeachment, Han stepped in as acting president, though his role lasted only about two weeks. His presidency was marred by controversy following a state of emergency declared by Yoon on December 3, 2024, citing disruptions from an opposition-controlled parliament. This move, later lifted, led to accusations regarding Yun's actions being unconstitutional and necessitated impeachment from the National Assembly.
The ruling party has expressed optimism regarding their prospects in the ongoing political drama, especially with the previous case against Inspection Director Choi Jae-hae being rejected by a unanimous 8-0 vote. This has led to speculation that the same could happen with Prime Minister Han, bolstering hopes for a similar outcome in Yoon's impeachment proceedings.
Despite the buoyancy, the ruling party is in a precarious position. A high-ranking official stated on March 20, "We are observing all situations," indicating a cautious approach as the legal landscape shifts rapidly. The complexities involved in the impeachment process are heightened by the need to secure at least six votes in favor to successfully impeach Yoon Suk-yeol, which some insiders believe remains a challenge.
The expectations of the ruling party are further complicated by internal divisions within the Constitutional Court justices themselves, whose leanings—three progressive, three moderate, and two conservative—have fostered numerous speculations concerning the potential outcomes of impending decisions, including favorite projections of either a 5-3 or an evenly split 4-4 vote.
Adding further pressure, the five-party opposition coalition, led by the 'Together Democratic Party', submitted an impeachment motion against Choi Sang-mok, the current Deputy Prime Minister, on March 21. Choi is assuming the president's duties during Yoon's suspension, creating an unusual political landscape characterized by an "acting for the acting" administration.
This trial sets the stage for interlinked proceedings; should Han be dismissed, it complicates Yoon's path for potential reinstatement. Conversely, a ruling against Han[] could tempt Conservative judges into easing their stance and support Yoon’s fate under an impeachment context, hinting at a deeper political calculus at play.
Opposition parties have intensified their tactics, staging protests while expressing dissatisfaction with the current government's stance on judicial appointees, particularly pressing for appointments of judges perceived as favorable to their viewpoints. Their actions reflect a strategic sharpened focus aimed at galvanizing public sentiment against the current administration, which they deem illegitimate.
This landscape of political maneuvering highlights a further exertion on the Constitutional Court, which is now faced not only with the interpretations of legality surrounding the emergency declaration but also the public and political pressure that accompanies it. Observers predict that the direction of Han’s ruling may lend insight into how the court plans to navigate Yoon's ongoing impeachment yet is complexly veiled.
As the nation waits with bated breath for what the court might decide next Monday, political analysts note that the outcome could well shape South Korea's governance for many months ahead, leading to either a continuation of tensions or a pathway towards restoring stability within its tumultuous political landscape.
