South Korea’s constitutional court has reinstated Han Duck-soo as the acting head of state after rejecting his impeachment. The court’s decision returns Han to the position he briefly held in December when President Yoon Suk Yeol faced suspension and impeachment. This ruling is expected to impact South Korea’s ongoing political instability significantly.
Political Turmoil Following President Yoon’s Suspension
Lawmakers removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office after he tried to impose martial law during a period of political unrest. This controversial decision led to his impeachment and temporary suspension. In response, Han Duck-soo took over as interim leader. However, his leadership ended just two weeks later due to rising political tensions and his own impeachment. Since then, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has served as the nation’s caretaker leader.
Han Duck-soo’s Actions Spark Backlash
After becoming acting president, Han Duck-soo blocked the appointment of new judges to the constitutional court. Opposition lawmakers viewed this as an attempt to influence the court’s ruling on Yoon’s impeachment. Many believed new judges could increase the chances of upholding Yoon’s removal. Frustrated by Han’s actions, lawmakers passed a motion to impeach him, prompting a court review.
The constitutional court dismissed the impeachment case against Han with a decisive seven-to-one ruling. After the verdict, Han thanked the court and promised to restore order and stability in the government. His reinstatement marks a crucial point in the ongoing political crisis.
Awaiting the Verdict on President Yoon
South Korea continues to face political uncertainty as the nation awaits the court’s final decision on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. Lawmakers suspended Yoon on December 14, but the court must approve this decision for it to stand. If the court overrules the impeachment, Yoon will immediately regain his presidential powers.
The situation has worsened, with hundreds of thousands of citizens protesting in Seoul in recent weeks. Supporters and opponents of Yoon have taken to the streets, demanding clarity about the country’s political future. The court’s upcoming decision will play a key role in shaping the nation’s direction.
The ongoing political crisis continues to divide South Korea. The unresolved status of President Yoon has fueled public protests and political unrest. With no set date for the court’s final decision, the nation remains anxious, awaiting a resolution to one of its biggest political crises in decades.