South Korea is facing unprecedented political turmoil as the storm of impeachment evolves, with the interim president Han Duck-soo becoming the focal point of controversy. The Democratic Party, the main opposition party, has filed a motion of impeachment against Han due to his refusal to appoint judges to the Constitutional Court, which is tasked with deciding the fate of suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol. The drama unfolded just days after Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law prompted his removal from office, shaking the foundations of South Korea’s governance.
The motion came to light during the Democratic Party’s press conference at the National Assembly, where lawmaker Park Sung-joon stated, "We filed the motion just before the plenary session; we will submit it for voting tomorrow." Han Duck-soo, aged 75 and described as a career bureaucrat, has maintained his stance by claiming his interim position lacks the authority to make significant judicial appointments. He insists on reaching bipartisan consensus before proceeding with such nominations, which has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers.
The tension is palpable as three vacant seats on the Constitutional Court remain unfilled, significantly impacting the Court's ability to hold the required majority necessary to validate or invalidate the impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol. According to the law, the Court needs six judges out of nine to agree for Yoon’s removal to be cemented. If the vacancies persist by the time of expected hearings, which are set to start Friday, consensus may prove difficult, meaning one dissenting judge could reverse Yoon's impeachment, reinstatement.
Han’s refusal to act has led to accusations of incompetence and obstructionism from the Democratic Party. Riding this wave, party leader Park Chan-dae claimed, "Han’s refusal to appoint the new judges shows he neither has the willingness nor the ability to uphold the Constitution." If the opposition’s motion succeeds, it would mark the first time an interim president has faced impeachment following the removal of the president.
The political chess match is intensified by the serious allegations facing Yoon Suk-yeol, who has been summoned for multiple hearings related to charges of rebellion linked to the martial law incident. With the nation’s Constitution imposing severe restrictions on circumstances justifying such actions, Yoon’s legal troubles are of grave concern. His refusal to attend past summons has led investigators to seek his appearance again, amplifying calls for accountability, and raising questions about leadership integrity.
According to experts, the constitutional dynamics also play out on procedural grounds. "The Constitution permits the National Assembly to impeach the president with two-thirds majority,” explained Justine Guichard, Korean studies lecturer at the University of Paris-Cité. “The prime minister can be impeached with simple majority, and the opposition claims they only need this majority for Han.” The question of whether Han’s role as interim president shifts necessary majority requirements remains disputed and contentious.
While politics have become increasingly heated, the potential impacts extend beyond South Korea's borders, prompting international interest including engagement from nations such as China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted of South Korea’s turbulent state, "We think the South Korean people have the wisdom and capability to properly manage their domestic issues." It opens up broader speculation about possible shifts in foreign policy should there be changes at the leadership level.
The weight of the matters at hand situates South Korea at the crossroads of political accountability and turmoil, with elections likely looming on the horizon. This situation poses questions of governance, the democratic process, and the future of the political mechanism within the country. For now, both eyes and ears will be attuned to the National Assembly as they ready to cast votes and debate the premises of Han’s impeachment.
If passed, Han Duck-soo, who is already serving as Prime Minister, would be replaced temporarily by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok. Such change would not only affect national governance structure but also impact public sentiment and policy directions forward.
With South Korea's democracy under scrutiny and tensions simmering high, the next steps will be pivotal for all players involved. The on-going saga will surely influence the approaches political factions take as they navigate this precarious situation, balancing governance within and international relations simultaneously.
