SEOUL — South Korea is engulfed in unprecedented political turmoil following the impeachments of both President Yoon Suk Yeol and Acting President Han Duck-soo. This constitutional crisis has plunged one of Asia's leading democracies deep within political uncertainty. The National Assembly voted on December 28, 2024, to impeach Acting President Han, achieving the motion with 192 votes, which was spearheaded by opposition parties. The impeachment followed Han's controversial refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court, which is currently assessing President Yoon’s impeachment case.
The tumultuous vote unfolded amid chaotic scenes, with members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) surrounding the speaker's podium and chanting accusations of “tyranny.” "I declare the impeachment motion of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was passed with 192 votes out of 192 votes cast," Woo Won-shik, the National Assembly Speaker, announced amid the uproar. This vote marked the start of what many see as the greatest crisis to hit South Korea since the establishment of its democratic government.
The impeachment of Han Duck-soo coincided with the opening session of President Yoon's impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court. Yoon Suk Yeol, who was suspended following his declaration of martial law on December 3, plans to testify personally at the hearings. His lawyer, Yoon Kap-keun, confirmed, "[President Yoon] will attend the impeachment trial by himself and speak," indicating his resolve to defend his presidency.
This precarious political environment has sparked widespread protests throughout the country, reflecting deep divisions among the populace. Supporters and opponents of Yoon gathered outside the Constitutional Court, underscoring the tension surrounding these developments. Preparations were also underway for rival rallies slated for December 30, as demonstrators from both camps vow to sustain their pressure.
"Nearly two million people will come together to protect President Yoon," declared Rhee Kang-san, one of the rally organizers. Conversely, anti-Yoon voices echoed sentiments reflecting stronger demands for justice and accountability. An organizer for the anti-Yoon rally expressed, "The people are now strongly demanding Yoon’s immediate dismissal and punishment," highlighting the heated atmosphere of unrest.
The catalyst for the backlash against Han Duck-soo centers around his refusal to appoint additional judges to the Constitutional Court, which currently operates with six judges and three vacancies. Critics argue Han's hesitation jeopardizes the impeachment process, emphasizing the procedural deadlock this has created. Jo Seoung-lae, a Democratic Party MP, remarked, "The refusal is a direct challenge to the Constitution and the law." This refusal to act leaves the court unable to make definitive decisions on the impeachment, with opposition parties adamant about appointing three more judges to fill the vacant seats.
Following Han's impeachment, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok assumed the dual roles of acting president and prime minister. This unusual transition has left the country with leadership challenges, as Choi faces immense pressure from opposition parties to adopt the necessary appointments to stabilize the judiciary. If he too refuses demands for judicial appointments, he risks facing his own impeachment vote.
“Minimizing governmental turmoil is of utmost importance at this moment,” Choi stated shortly after his appointment, underlining the urgency of resolving the political chaos. The crisis has also strained the national economy, with the South Korean won reaching its lowest value against the US dollar in 16 years, trailed by drops on the KOSPI index.
Meanwhile, international reactions to the situation have cascaded, with the United States reaffirming its commitment to South Korea and its democratic institutions. U.S. Department of Defense spokesman Major Pete Nguyen expressed strong support: "We reiterate our support for the Republic of Korea (ROK), its citizens, and democratic processes, and the rule of law." This pledge from Western allies plays a significant role amid fears of lost democratic ideals during the crises.
Despite the political turmoil, the Constitutional Court proceeded with its first preliminary hearing on President Yoon's impeachment. The gravity of the situation forces the nation to contemplate the integrity of its democratic governance. The simultaneous impeachments of President Yoon and Acting President Han mark not only an unprecedented event but also signal broader questions about the enduring nature of South Korea's political system.
Outside the courtroom, public frustration pulsated, compelling thousands to galvanized actions. "The martial law was legal, and president Yoon did it because of the insurrectionary opposition Democratic Party," one supporter stated, showcasing the polarizing nature of this political storm. Meanwhile, another protestor shared evocatively, "I felt so relieved when Han was impeached, he was also part of the insurrection,” symbolizing the urgency of public sentiment pushing for what they term as true democratic governance.
The double impeachment crisis continues unraveling the political fabric of South Korea. The next steps could not only determine the immediate fate of its leaders but also shape the future of its political institutions. A call to action lies not just with the ruling elite but with the citizens who are driving civil activism to uphold their democratic rights.
