South Korea's main opposition party, the Democratic Party (DP), has announced plans to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo, escalating the nation's political crisis. This move follows the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, 2024, over his brief declaration of martial law. Han, who assumed presidential duties after Yoon's suspension, is now under scrutiny for his recent actions in office.
The DP criticizes Han for vetoing several opposition-led bills, including one proposing a special investigation into President Yoon's martial law declaration and alleged corruption involving his wife. Han's refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court, which is currently reviewing Yoon's impeachment, has further fueled opposition claims that he is undermining constitutional processes.
With a parliamentary majority, the DP is poised to introduce the impeachment motion against Han, with a vote expected soon. The party argues that Han's actions demonstrate a lack of commitment to upholding the Constitution, necessitating his removal from office. The outcome of this vote could deepen the constitutional crisis, as the nation already awaits the Constitutional Court's decision on President Yoon's fate.
The Constitutional Court, currently operating with six justices due to three vacancies, requires a unanimous decision to either remove or reinstate President Yoon. The DP's push to fill these vacancies aims to influence the court's impending decision. Meanwhile, public sentiment remains divided, with rival protests in Seoul reflecting the nation's polarized views on the government's recent actions.
As South Korea navigates this unprecedented political upheaval, the potential impeachment of Acting President Han adds another layer of complexity. The nation's focus now turns to the upcoming parliamentary vote and the Constitutional Court's deliberations, both of which will significantly impact South Korea's political landscape and its democratic institutions.
