South Korea’s political crisis has taken a new turn after the country’s Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president. The decision, delivered in a 7-1 ruling on Monday, marks a significant moment in the ongoing turmoil that has gripped the nation since President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial suspension.
Han initially took over as acting president last December after President Yoon was suspended following his widely criticized attempt to impose martial law. However, his tenure was short-lived. Within two weeks, lawmakers moved to impeach him, accusing him of blocking the appointment of new judges to the Constitutional Court an action perceived as an attempt to sway the outcome of Yoon’s impeachment case.
Following Han’s removal, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok stepped in as acting leader, further prolonging the power vacuum in Seoul. However, the Constitutional Court’s latest decision has now reinstated Han, who pledged to restore stability in his post-impeachment remarks.
“I thank the Constitutional Court for its wise decision,” Han said. “I will work to bring the government to order.”
Despite Han’s reinstatement, South Korea remains in a state of uncertainty, with the country anxiously awaiting the court’s verdict on President Yoon’s impeachment. Yoon was suspended on December 14 after a parliamentary vote, but the impeachment will only be finalized if the Constitutional Court upholds the decision. If overturned, Yoon would return to office immediately.
The court has yet to announce a date for its ruling on Yoon’s fate. Meanwhile, Seoul has witnessed mass protests from both Yoon’s supporters and opponents, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets last weekend.
As South Korea braces for further legal and political battles, Han’s reinstatement is unlikely to bring an immediate resolution to the crisis. All eyes remain on the Constitutional Court as it prepares for what could be one of the most consequential rulings in the country’s history.
