In a significant ruling, South Korea's Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as the country's acting president after dismissing his impeachment by lawmakers. This decision comes amid a political upheaval sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law, which led to his own suspension.
South Korea's Constitutional Court Reinstates PM Han Duck-soo Amid Ongoing Political Turmoil
South Korea's Constitutional Court Reinstates PM Han Duck-soo Amid Ongoing Political Turmoil
South Korea's highest court overturns Prime Minister Han's impeachment, intensifying the political crisis following President Yoon's martial law attempt.
Han Duck-soo was initially appointed as acting leader in December when President Yoon was impeached by parliament for his controversial actions. However, his time in office was short-lived as lawmakers swiftly decided to impeach him too, plunging the nation into further chaos. For the past few weeks, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok had been overseeing the government while South Korea waited for the court’s ruling.
After the Constitutional Court's ruling, in which the judges voted seven to one in favor of Han, the prime minister expressed gratitude for the decision, pledging to restore order within the government. Meanwhile, the court is expected to soon announce its verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon, an outcome that will have significant implications for the political landscape.
If the court affirms Yoon's impeachment, South Korea will need to hold a presidential election within 60 days. Conversely, if the court dismisses the charges against Yoon, he will resume his presidential duties without delay. The timing of the upcoming ruling remains uncertain, but political tensions are high, as thousands have recently protested in Seoul for and against the president.
Political analysts suggest that the court's decision to reinstate Han was a strategic move to maintain an image of impartiality and promote governmental stability amidst the political saga. They point out that the court has consistently dismissed political impeachment motions from opposition lawmakers, and reinstating Han may help to unify the country ahead of the pivotal decision regarding Yoon's future in office.
After the Constitutional Court's ruling, in which the judges voted seven to one in favor of Han, the prime minister expressed gratitude for the decision, pledging to restore order within the government. Meanwhile, the court is expected to soon announce its verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon, an outcome that will have significant implications for the political landscape.
If the court affirms Yoon's impeachment, South Korea will need to hold a presidential election within 60 days. Conversely, if the court dismisses the charges against Yoon, he will resume his presidential duties without delay. The timing of the upcoming ruling remains uncertain, but political tensions are high, as thousands have recently protested in Seoul for and against the president.
Political analysts suggest that the court's decision to reinstate Han was a strategic move to maintain an image of impartiality and promote governmental stability amidst the political saga. They point out that the court has consistently dismissed political impeachment motions from opposition lawmakers, and reinstating Han may help to unify the country ahead of the pivotal decision regarding Yoon's future in office.
