South Korean lawmakers impeach second president in two weeks

Acting president Han Duck-soo was impeached by South Korean lawmakers on Friday, plunging the nation into deeper political turmoil just two weeks after his predecessor was suspended following a shocking martial law declaration.

Han, a seasoned bureaucrat who had stepped into the role of acting president on December 14 after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, now faces his own political downfall. The impeachment motion, passed by the National Assembly, accuses Han of insurrection and obstruction of justice.

“I announce that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment motion has passed. Out of the 192 lawmakers who voted, 192 voted to impeach ,” declared National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, sparking outrage among members of the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP).

The PPP’s reaction was swift and furious. Lawmakers erupted in protest, accusing Woo of misinterpreting the voting threshold by requiring only a simple majority rather than the two-thirds needed for Yoon’s impeachment. Chaos ensued as members of the PPP stormed towards the Speaker, demanding his resignation and refusing to participate in the vote.

This historic decision marked the first impeachment of an acting president in South Korea’s history and the second impeachment of a head of state within just two weeks.

Despite the political upheaval, Han responded with measured composure, stating: “I respect the parliament’s decision” while awaiting the Constitutional Court’s verdict on whether the impeachment will stand. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, now assuming dual roles as acting president and prime minister, pledged to restore stability, emphasizing: “Minimising governmental turmoil is of utmost importance at this moment.“

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However, the ongoing crisis has already taken a toll on South Korea’s economy. The won plummeted to a 16-year low against the US dollar, worse than its decline following Yoon’s martial law declaration. The KOSPI Index also closed down by 1.02 percent on Friday.

The crux of the opposition’s grievances lies in Han’s refusal to appoint additional judges to the Constitutional Court. With only six judges on the bench instead of the full nine, the opposition fears that a single dissenting vote could reinstate Yoon. Han had argued for a bipartisan compromise on the appointments, stating: “The consistent principle embedded in our constitution and laws is to refrain from exercising significant exclusive presidential powers, including the appointment of constitutional institutions. “

Opposition lawmaker Jo Seoung-lae sharply criticized Han’s stance, claiming: “The refusal is a direct challenge to the Constitution and the law.” The impeachment motion described Han’s actions as “a violation of a public official’s duty to uphold the law and serve the public. “

In the face of this political storm, the United States reaffirmed its unwavering support for South Korea. Pentagon spokesman Major Pete Nguyen emphasized Washington’s commitment, stating: “We reiterate our support for the Republic of Korea (ROK), its citizens and democratic processes, and the rule of law. ” A State Department spokesperson confirmed readiness to work with Acting President Choi and the ROK government.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Constitutional Court held its first preliminary hearing on Yoon’s impeachment, with his legal team in attendance, even as the latest controversy unfolded.

Photo: YONHAP / AFP.

Acting president Han Duck-soo was impeached by South Korean lawmakers on Friday, plunging the nation into deeper political turmoil just two weeks after his predecessor was suspended following a shocking martial law declaration.

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Han, a seasoned bureaucrat who had stepped into the role of acting president on December 14 after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, now faces his own political downfall. The impeachment motion, passed by the National Assembly, accuses Han of insurrection and obstruction of justice.

“I announce that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment motion has passed. Out of the 192 lawmakers who voted, 192 voted to impeach ,” declared National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, sparking outrage among members of the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP).

The PPP’s reaction was swift and furious. Lawmakers erupted in protest, accusing Woo of misinterpreting the voting threshold by requiring only a simple majority rather than the two-thirds needed for Yoon’s impeachment. Chaos ensued as members of the PPP stormed towards the Speaker, demanding his resignation and refusing to participate in the vote.

This historic decision marked the first impeachment of an acting president in South Korea’s history and the second impeachment of a head of state within just two weeks.

Despite the political upheaval, Han responded with measured composure, stating: “I respect the parliament’s decision” while awaiting the Constitutional Court’s verdict on whether the impeachment will stand. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, now assuming dual roles as acting president and prime minister, pledged to restore stability, emphasizing: “Minimising governmental turmoil is of utmost importance at this moment. “

However, the ongoing crisis has already taken a toll on South Korea’s economy. The won plummeted to a 16-year low against the US dollar, worse than its decline following Yoon’s martial law declaration. The KOSPI Index also closed down by 1.02 percent on Friday.

The crux of the opposition’s grievances lies in Han’s refusal to appoint additional judges to the Constitutional Court. With only six judges on the bench instead of the full nine, the opposition fears that a single dissenting vote could reinstate Yoon. Han had argued for a bipartisan compromise on the appointments, stating: “The consistent principle embedded in our constitution and laws is to refrain from exercising significant exclusive presidential powers, including the appointment of constitutional institutions.“

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Opposition lawmaker Jo Seoung-lae sharply criticized Han’s stance, claiming: “The refusal is a direct challenge to the Constitution and the law.” The impeachment motion described Han’s actions as “a violation of a public official’s duty to uphold the law and serve the public. “

In the face of this political storm, the United States reaffirmed its unwavering support for South Korea. Pentagon spokesman Major Pete Nguyen emphasized Washington’s commitment, stating: “We reiterate our support for the Republic of Korea (ROK), its citizens and democratic processes, and the rule of law. ” A State Department spokesperson confirmed readiness to work with Acting President Choi and the ROK government.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Constitutional Court held its first preliminary hearing on Yoon’s impeachment, with his legal team in attendance, even as the latest controversy unfolded.

Photo: YONHAP / AFP.