South Korea’s Political Crisis: Opposition Moves to Impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo

Opposition Party Files Impeachment Motion Against Acting President Han
South Korea’s political crisis deepened with the main opposition party submitting a motion to impeach Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo. The opposition party accuses Han of failing to appoint three critical justices to the Constitutional Court, a decision that has caused political paralysis in the country. This crisis is particularly concerning as the Constitutional Court is expected to rule on the rebellion charges against impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol related to his controversial martial law decree issued on December 3.

Constitutional Court Vacancy and Impeachment Debate
The delay in filling these vacancies has created significant friction between the government and the opposition. With three out of nine seats vacant on the Constitutional Court, crucial decisions on Yoon’s impeachment remain in limbo. The opposition argues that Han’s failure to act is an attempt to protect Yoon’s presidency, while Han insists that such appointments require bipartisan consent, a move that many opposition leaders see as a stalling tactic.

Political and Legal Implications of Han’s Refusal to Appoint Justices
Han’s stance has ignited fierce criticism. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and opposition leaders have condemned Han for infringing on the assembly’s rights to select justices, claiming his inaction weakens the rule of law. The People Power Party (PPP), however, supports Han’s reluctance, arguing that the acting president should not exercise presidential powers while Yoon remains technically in office.

Upcoming Impeachment Vote and Political Tensions
The National Assembly, with the Democratic Party (DP) holding a majority of 170 out of 300 seats, is preparing for a vote on Han’s impeachment, with some expecting it to take place as early as this week. The DP will need to secure support from other smaller parties to meet the legal threshold for impeachment. If Han is impeached, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok would assume his duties, further shifting the political landscape.

Yoon’s Legal Challenges and Opposition Criticism
While Han faces pressure over his inaction on the Constitutional Court appointments, President Yoon remains under legal scrutiny. He has avoided summonses from law enforcement regarding rebellion charges linked to his martial law decree, which also sparked the impeachment of his presidency. Several top officials, including the defense minister and police chief, have already been arrested for their roles in implementing martial law.

Han’s Defense and the Broader Political Deadlock
Han defended his refusal to make appointments, stating that as an acting president, his focus should be on maintaining stability and overcoming the ongoing crisis, not making politically charged appointments. However, opposition leaders accuse him of failing to act in good faith and of neglecting his constitutional duties. With the nation’s political future hanging in the balance, the impasse between Han and the opposition is expected to play a crucial role in shaping South Korea’s governance in the coming weeks.