In a recent development, South Korean lawmakers carried out the impeachment of the acting president amid the country’s ongoing political unrest. The impeachment process was set in motion following the suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his implementation of martial law on December 3.
Han Duck-soo, who assumed the role of acting president after Yoon’s suspension, faced demands for his removal from office by opposition MPs. They argued that Han had neglected to complete Yoon’s impeachment process and bring him to justice.
The National Assembly Speaker announced the passing of Han Duck-soo’s impeachment motion after all 192 lawmakers present voted in favor. The ruling People’s Power Party lawmakers staged a protest in parliament, disputing the majority needed for the impeachment process to proceed.
This marks the second impeachment of a South Korean head of state within a short period, further adding to the country’s already tumultuous political landscape. Additionally, it is the first impeachment of an acting president in South Korea.
Following the impeachment, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will take over as acting president while Han Duck-soo awaits the Constitutional Court’s decision on upholding the parliament’s ruling.
The crux of the issue lies in the disagreement over appointing new judges to the Constitutional Court, which plays a crucial role in validating impeachments. The opposition’s push to fill the vacant positions and Han’s resistance to it have deepened the political divide.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the economic impact of the political instability is evident, with the South Korean won hitting a 16-year low against the US dollar. Police have also initiated investigations related to the martial law declaration, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
This turn of events emphasizes the need for a resolution to the political impasse for the stability and well-being of the country.