South Korea’s Constitutional Court Restores Impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as Acting President
South Korea’s Constitutional Court has reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The court’s eight justices voted 7-1 to dismiss Han’s impeachment, effectively restoring him to the highest office while the court continues to deliberate Yoon’s fate. Yoon was suspended after briefly imposing martial law on December 3, triggering a political crisis.
The court ruled that there were insufficient grounds to justify Han’s impeachment, although it acknowledged the validity of the impeachment motion. Five justices found the impeachment of Han, aged 75, to be unjustified, while two others questioned the legitimacy of the motion itself, stating it lacked the necessary two-thirds majority in parliament, with only 192 out of 300 lawmakers supporting it.
Han had initially assumed the role of acting president on December 14 after Yoon’s impeachment but was suspended from his duties less than two weeks later over his refusal to appoint three new justices to the Constitutional Court.
In his first public address after the ruling, Han thanked the court for its decision and emphasized the importance of national unity, stating, “Our country’s priority is to move forward.” He also acknowledged the deeply polarized political climate in South Korea, urging for greater unity among citizens.
The decision comes as the Constitutional Court has yet to deliver a ruling on whether to confirm Yoon’s impeachment. A final decision on Yoon’s fate is expected soon, with the possibility that his impeachment could lead to a presidential election within 60 days. Yoon is also facing criminal charges related to his martial law actions, including insurrection, and could face severe penalties if convicted.
