Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as the country’s acting president on Monday. However, the court has yet to rule on the separate impeachment case of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who imposed martial law in December, triggering national and international controversy.
Speaking with reporters after his reinstatement, Han welcomed the court’s decision, calling it “wise” and pledging to focus on pressing issues, including navigating the fast-changing global trade environment—an apparent reference to the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff policies. He also urged national unity, stating, “There’s no left or right—what matters is the advancement of our nation.”
Political Turmoil in South Korea
South Korea has been mired in political crisis since December 3, when President Yoon, a conservative, declared martial law and deployed hundreds of troops to the liberal-controlled National Assembly and other key locations in Seoul. His decree lasted only six hours before lawmakers managed to reconvene and vote it down. Days later, on December 14, the assembly impeached Yoon, accusing him of violating the constitution, suppressing legislative activities, and attempting to detain politicians.
Yoon’s impeachment made Han acting president, but Han was also impeached in late December, accused of abetting Yoon’s martial law declaration, obstructing judicial processes, and interfering with efforts to restore the Constitutional Court’s full membership.
What’s Next?
The back-to-back impeachments of South Korea’s top two officials have deepened domestic divisions and raised concerns over the country’s diplomatic and economic stability. Han, during his time as acting president, sought to reassure international partners and stabilize financial markets. His reinstatement could embolden supporters of Yoon and intensify political conflict ahead of the Constitutional Court’s much-anticipated ruling on the president’s fate.
As the nation waits for the final verdict on Yoon, all eyes remain on South Korea’s highest court—and the future of its leadership.
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