South Korea’s political crisis deepened as the opposition Democratic Party filed an impeachment motion on Thursday against Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, accusing him of obstructing key constitutional processes.
Han’s refusal to approve nominees for three vacant seats on the Constitutional Court lies at the heart of the standoff. The court, which requires a minimum of six judges to function, currently lacks its full nine-member bench. A dissenting vote from any of the six seated judges could potentially reinstate suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol.
President Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 after declaring martial law on Dec. 3, a move that plunged the nation into turmoil. His impeachment still requires validation from the Constitutional Court.
The Democratic Party argues that Han’s inaction on judicial appointments and his refusal to enact two special investigative bills constitute a violation of his duties.
“Han Duck-soo lacks the will or qualification to uphold the constitution,” Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae said, adding that the impeachment motion would be put to a vote on Friday.
Han has defended his actions, stating that judicial appointments and significant decisions require bipartisan consensus in the National Assembly.
“If the National Assembly, representing the people, does not reach an agreement, it is not in the spirit of our constitution to exercise exclusive presidential powers,” Han said.
Han’s impeachment would mark a historic first for South Korea, which has never impeached an acting president in its democratic era. If the motion passes, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok would assume the role of acting president.
The opposition also accuses Han of intentionally delaying investigations into graft allegations involving President Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, and his martial law declaration.
Meanwhile, President Yoon faces potential criminal charges for insurrection. He has been summoned for questioning on Dec. 29, following his refusal to comply with prior summonses.
If approved, the impeachment motion against Han would be South Korea’s second in under two weeks, reflecting the country’s escalating political instability.
