South Korea's Constitutional Court Reverses Acting President Han Duck-soo's Impeachment
South Korea's Constitutional Court annuls impeachment of Acting President Han - South Korean Constitutional Court halts impeachment process for temporary President Han
After a heated vote, South Korea's Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president. The decision, made by a 7-1 margin, declared that the allegations against Han were either not illegal or not severe enough to justify his removal from office. Moreover, it was found that the impeachment motion lacked the necessary quorum when it was passed[1][2][3].
Han was initially impeached on December 27, 2024, primarily due to his reluctance to fill vacant positions on the Constitutional Court and accusations of aiding President Yoon in declaring martial law, although the court's decision indicated no conclusive evidence of proactive support by Han[4].
Despite the ongoing political turmoil, the reinstatement of Han as acting president may offer some stability, providing a sense of bureaucratic continuity over the period when his powers were suspended[2][3]. However, uncertainty still surrounds the fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached on December 14, 2024, for declaring martial law, a move critics argue was unconstitutional and obstructive to the assembly[1][2]. The Constitutional Court is yet to rule on Yoon's case, leading to widespread speculation about the timing and reasons for the delay[2][3].
The varied public reactions to these events have fueled a polarized political landscape, with massive rallies being held in support of and against these leaders[1][2]. If the court rules in favor of Yoon's impeachment, a new presidential election will be necessary. Conversely, if the court upholds Yoon's presidency, he will regain his powers[1][2]. The political environment is fraught with tension, with Yoon's supporters arguing his actions were necessary to highlight opposition obstructionism, and critics accusing him of attempting to suppress investigations into alleged scandals[1][2].
- Han Duck-soo (Prime Minister and Acting President)
- Yoon Suk Yeol (President)
- Constitutional Court
- South Korea
- Impeachment
- Martial Law
- Crisis
- The Constitutional Court of South Korea, an institution of the community, has reinstated Han Duck-soo as the acting president, following their decision to overturn his impeachment.
- The decision to overturn Han Duck-soo's impeachment was based on an evaluation of the allegations against him, which were deemed either not illegal or not severe enough to justify his removal from office.
- Despite the Constitutional Court's decision, uncertainty continues to surround President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was also impeached, primarily for declaring martial law, a move critics argue was unconstitutional and obstructive to the assembly.
