South Korea’s Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Monday, overturning his impeachment. This decision comes amid a political crisis sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration. The court’s ruling clears the way for Han to resume his duties as acting president while Yoon’s legal challenges continue.
Court Restores Han Duck-soo’s Powers
South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled to reinstate Prime Minister Han Duck-soo after lawmakers impeached him. The Democratic Party filed the motion, accusing Han of neglecting his constitutional duties. They pointed to his failure to appoint justices to the Constitutional Court and his role in the martial law declaration.
The court found no evidence to support the accusations. Only one judge voted to uphold the impeachment, clearing Han of wrongdoing. Han will continue serving as acting president until President Yoon’s legal situation is resolved.
Martial Law Crisis Triggers Political Unrest
In late 2022, President Yoon declared martial law, claiming that the opposition party supported North Korea. The declaration temporarily suspended civilian legal processes, banned political activity, and sent troops to Seoul.
Lawmakers quickly voted to suspend Yoon. Han then took over as acting president, but his term was short. The opposition party’s impeachment motion accused Han of collaborating with Yoon on the martial law plan. They also criticized his refusal to appoint justices to the Constitutional Court and his failure to support a bill investigating First Lady Kim Keon-hee.
Impeachment Motion: Court’s Ruling
The Democratic Party argued that Han’s refusal to appoint justices undermined the rule of law. They also linked him to the martial law declaration. However, the court ruled that there was no solid evidence to support these claims. Only one judge agreed to uphold the impeachment.
Han expressed his relief after the ruling, calling it a “wise” decision. He is now back in his role as acting president while the court continues to evaluate Yoon’s impeachment.
What’s Next for President Yoon?
South Korea now waits for the Constitutional Court’s decision on President Yoon’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration remains a point of contention. Han has denied plotting the martial law plan with Yoon. He stated that he tried to dissuade Yoon during a Cabinet meeting before the declaration was made.
