South Korea’s political landscape faces heightened uncertainty as the opposition Democratic Party filed an impeachment motion against acting president Han Duck-soo on Thursday. The move comes amidst escalating tensions over Han’s refusal to appoint three Constitutional Court judges, a decision that has effectively stalled the impeachment process against President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was suspended earlier this month.
President Yoon’s administration descended into crisis on December 3 when he controversially declared martial law. This led to his suspension by the National Assembly on December 14, with lawmakers citing the unprecedented action as a breach of constitutional principles. However, Yoon’s permanent removal requires a ruling from the Constitutional Court, which is currently hamstrung by the lack of a full nine-member bench.
Han, 75, has argued that he will only approve the judges’ appointments if the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the opposition Democratic Party reach a consensus on the nominees. This stalemate has prompted the Democratic Party to accuse him of obstructing constitutional procedures, leading to their unprecedented decision to initiate impeachment proceedings against the acting president.
The Impeachment Motion
Speaking to reporters, Democratic Party MP Park Sung-joon confirmed the filing of the motion and announced plans to report it to the National Assembly plenary session. A vote on the matter is scheduled for Friday.
Park Chan-dae, the Democratic Party’s floor leader, emphasized that Han’s actions demonstrate a lack of commitment to upholding the Constitution. “His refusal to formally appoint the three judges proves that he does not have the will or qualification to uphold the Constitution,” Park stated.
If Han is impeached, it will mark the first time in South Korea’s democratic history that an acting president has faced such action. In the event of his removal, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is poised to assume the acting presidency.
Constitutional Implications
The absence of three judges on the Constitutional Court complicates the impeachment process against President Yoon. With only six judges currently seated, the court requires unanimous agreement to uphold Yoon’s removal. Any dissenting opinion among the judges would result in Yoon’s reinstatement, a scenario the Democratic Party is eager to avoid.
Han, however, has maintained that his decision to delay the appointments is grounded in constitutional principles. “The consistent principle embedded in our Constitution and laws is to refrain from exercising significant exclusive presidential powers, including the appointment of constitutional institutions,” he argued, calling for a bipartisan agreement to resolve the impasse.
Rising Political Tensions
The Democratic Party holds a majority in the National Assembly, making it likely that the impeachment motion against Han will pass. However, this move is expected to intensify political divisions in South Korea, as the PPP has rallied behind Han’s stance, accusing the opposition of attempting to monopolize power.
Critics of Han argue that his insistence on a consensus is an unnecessary delay tactic that undermines the democratic process. “This is not about consensus; it’s about fulfilling constitutional obligations,” said a political analyst.
On the other hand, Han’s supporters contend that his cautious approach reflects the gravity of the situation. “The appointment of Constitutional Court judges should not be rushed or influenced by partisan agendas,” a PPP spokesperson said, defending Han’s position.
What Lies Ahead
If the impeachment motion passes, South Korea will find itself navigating uncharted political territory. The simultaneous suspension of both the president and the acting president could lead to significant administrative paralysis at a time when the nation faces economic challenges and regional security concerns.
The opposition’s determination to impeach Han underscores the high stakes of the current crisis. As the vote approaches, all eyes are on South Korea’s National Assembly, where the outcome will shape the nation’s political trajectory in the months to come.
