The political landscape in South Korea is facing significant turbulence as opposition parties have initiated impeachment proceedings against Acting President Chwe San Mok. The Democratic Party "Toburo," alongside four other smaller parties, put forth this proposal to the National Assembly, largely driven by Chwe's refusal to appoint a successor judge to the Constitutional Court. This ongoing saga represents a critical moment in South Korean politics, as the effectiveness of governance hangs in the balance.
On March 21, 2025, the formal petition was submitted with claims that Chwe San Mok, who has been holding the acting presidential office since December 2024, failed to exercise his authority appropriately. The driving force behind this impeachment push centers around what critics describe as his inaction regarding the appointment of a judge. Although he appointed two out of three candidates in December, he has yet to name the final judge, which has resulted in the Constitutional Court being reduced to only eight members instead of the legally required nine.
The stakes are high. As noted in a ruling by the Constitutional Court on February 27, 2025, "Chwe San Mok's rejection of parliament's nomination of one of three candidates for the post of judge violates the full authority of the legislative body," signaling that his actions could be interpreted as obstructing the parliamentary process. Under current legislation, voting on the impeachment can only occur at least 24 hours after the initiative is presented in plenary, effectively compelling lawmakers to act quickly and decisively.
The Democratic Party "Toburo," which holds 170 of the 300 parliamentary seats, is leveraging this majority to consider a serious challenge against Chwe. They are not alone in their pursuit; numerous smaller opposition parties are lending their voices, amplifying the proposal's momentum and increasing the pressure on the acting president.
This impeachment comes on the heels of other significant political upheavals in South Korea, particularly regarding the impeachment of President Yun Sok El and Prime Minister Han Dok Su. On December 14, 2024, Yun Sok El was subjected to a parliamentary vote for impeachment, while Han’s acting duties were also challenged by lawmakers on December 27 of the same year. Such incidents exemplify the current administration's precarious stability.
On top of these concerns, there was a recent incident on December 3, 2024, when President Yun Sok El declared a state of emergency that was quickly overturned by legislators just hours later. These rapid changes and tensions illustrate the society's fraught engagement with governance, as many South Korean citizens remain vigilant about political accountability.
With the Constitutional Court set to deliver its ruling on March 24 regarding the future of Prime Minister Han Dok Su—a ruling that could potentially impact Chwe San Mok's fate as well—experts are beginning to speculate about the wider implications of these unfolding events. Will the restoration of prime minister Han clarify Chwe's standing or further complicate his impeachment process? That question looms large among political analysts.
As it stands, Chwe San Mok's refusal to appoint a necessary judicial figure not only questions his leadership capabilities but has also catalyzed a broader debate about political accountability in South Korea. With the opposition keen on preserving their parliamentary majority and institutional integrity, the coming days are sure to be vital in shaping South Korea's political future.
