Political turmoil in South Korea intensifies as the Constitutional Court reviews the impeachment of suspended President Yoon, while Parliament has removed interim President Han Duck Soo. This marks the second leadership change in two weeks, triggered by Han’s failure to appoint judges to the Constitutional Court. With Finance Minister Choi Sang Mok assuming oversight of state affairs, the ruling party plans to contest Han’s impeachment, highlighting deepening political divisions and a lack of compromise within the government.
Political Turmoil in South Korea
As the Constitutional Court examines the impeachment process of suspended President Yoon, South Korea’s Parliament has also taken the significant step of relieving interim President Han Duck Soo of his duties. The political landscape remains tumultuous, with no end to the chaos in sight.
In a span of just two weeks, South Korea has witnessed its head of state change for the second time. The chaotic atmosphere in the National Assembly during the vote regarding the impeachment of Han Duck Soo reflects the current state of political affairs in the nation. A staggering 192 out of 300 parliament members voted to suspend the interim president’s duties, marking a pivotal moment in South Korean politics.
Impeachment and Political Implications
The move to impeach Han followed his refusal to promptly appoint judges to fill three vacant positions on the Constitutional Court. This court is also currently overseeing the impeachment proceedings against suspended President Yoon. After a brief hearing lasting about an hour, the court adjourned, scheduling its next session for early January.
In the interim, Finance Minister Choi Sang Mok will oversee state affairs. Prior to the parliamentary session, he had expressed hope that Han could remain in his role. “We sincerely hope that the political uncertainty threatening our economy and national security does not escalate further,” Choi stated. He emphasized the need for cooperation between the government and opposition to focus on the economy and public welfare.
However, the outlook appears grim. The ruling party has indicated plans to challenge the impeachment of Han, arguing that a two-thirds majority is typically required for such actions according to the South Korean constitution. Nonetheless, since Han is only the Prime Minister acting as President temporarily, the opposition contended that a simple majority sufficed, which was achieved during the vote.
Opposition leader Lee articulated their reasoning for initiating the impeachment proceedings, claiming, “The ‘acting president’ has turned into an ‘acting authority of betrayal.’ The ruling party has neglected its constitutional responsibilities and instead aligned itself with betrayal.” This rhetoric illustrates the deepening divide and lack of trust between political factions.
Political analyst Peng Er Lam observes that the opposition is unlikely to relent until all individuals associated with the interim declaration of martial law are removed from office, highlighting the entrenched culture of confrontation within South Korean politics. “They treat each other as enemies of the republic,” he noted, emphasizing the absence of compromise.
As South Korea continues to grapple with this political crisis, the next hearing concerning suspended President Yoon is set for January 3. Until then, the nation remains in a state of disarray, with the Constitutional Court promising a timely decision on the political future of the suspended leader.