South Korea’s Political Crisis: Impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo

Introduction

South Korea’s political crisis escalated significantly on December 27, 2024, as the nation’s parliament voted to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo. This unprecedented move follows the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier in December, marking a pivotal moment in South Korea’s political history. The impeachment of Han Duck-soo has deepened the country’s political turmoil, already strained by a series of controversial decisions and legal battles.

Table of Contents

• Impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo
• Political Crisis Deepens
• Reasons for Han’s Impeachment
• Legal and Constitutional Issues
• Economic Consequences of Political Instability
• Succession Plans Following Impeachment
• Context and Background
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo

South Korea’s legislature voted to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo after increasing public dissatisfaction and opposition outrage over his actions. The primary cause of this decision was Han’s refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court, a move that the opposition criticized as a deliberate obstruction of due process in the ongoing impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Opposition lawmakers argued that by failing to fulfill his constitutional responsibilities, Han was violating the fundamental principles of governance and justice.

Political Crisis Deepens

Prolonged Deadlock and Rising Tensions

The impeachment vote against Han Duck-soo highlights the intense political gridlock that has paralyzed South Korea in recent weeks. Following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment on December 14, 2024, Han assumed the role of acting president. However, his refusal to appoint the required Constitutional Court judges led to widespread criticism from opposition parties. These vacancies are seen as a critical issue, as they hinder the continuation of the impeachment process against President Yoon. Calls for immediate action to address this situation have dominated political discussions, but no resolution has been reached, exacerbating tensions in an already volatile political environment.

Reasons for Han’s Impeachment

Avoiding Investigations and Blocking Appointments

The impeachment motion against Han Duck-soo accuses him of deliberately avoiding a special investigation into President Yoon’s imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024. Additionally, his rejection of the nominations for the Constitutional Court judges has been interpreted as a tactic to delay or obstruct the impeachment process. Critics argue that Han’s actions undermine his duty to uphold the rule of law and serve the public interest, further fueling discontent among opposition lawmakers and citizens alike.

Legal and Constitutional Issues

Violation of Constitutional Responsibilities

At the heart of the impeachment motion is the argument that Han Duck-soo’s refusal to approve the judge appointments constitutes a clear violation of his constitutional obligations. The opposition contends that this inaction has undermined the proper functioning of the judiciary and delayed critical legal proceedings. In his defense, Han asserted that his actions were not intended to obstruct justice but to ensure a consensus between the ruling and opposition parties before making any appointments. However, this explanation has failed to assuage his critics.

Economic Consequences of Political Instability

Impact on the Economy and Currency

South Korea’s political turmoil has not only affected governance but also had significant economic repercussions. Amid the ongoing crisis, the Korean won has fallen to its lowest value in nearly 16 years, reflecting the financial market’s response to the uncertainty. Investor confidence has been shaken, and concerns over prolonged instability have further heightened fears of economic downturns. This situation underscores the broader implications of political deadlock on the nation’s economy and highlights the urgent need for resolution.

Succession Plans Following Impeachment

Choi Sang-mok as Acting President

If Han Duck-soo’s impeachment is upheld, the line of succession dictates that Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will step in as the acting president. According to South Korean law, the finance minister is next in line to assume presidential duties in the absence of both the president and the acting president. This transition, while legally sound, may not immediately resolve the deep political divisions or restore stability in the country.

Context and Background

Yoon Suk Yeol’s Impeachment

The political crisis began with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment on December 14, 2024, a decision triggered by his controversial imposition of martial law earlier in the month. Following his suspension, Han Duck-soo stepped in as acting president. However, his controversial decisions and actions have led to his own impeachment, marking the first time in South Korea’s history that an acting president has faced such a fate. This series of events has thrown the nation into an unprecedented political and constitutional crisis, with far-reaching implications for its governance and future stability.

FAQs

• Why was Acting President Han Duck-soo impeached? Han Duck-soo was impeached primarily due to his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court, which the opposition viewed as obstructing the impeachment process of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
• What are the economic consequences of this political crisis? The crisis has led to a sharp decline in investor confidence, causing the Korean won to fall to its lowest value in 16 years, raising fears of an economic downturn.
• Who will take over if Han Duck-soo’s impeachment is upheld? If upheld, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is next in line to assume the role of acting president.
• What triggered the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol? President Yoon was impeached following his controversial imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024.
• How has this crisis affected South Korea’s governance? The crisis has resulted in prolonged political gridlock, affecting the country’s judicial appointments, governance efficiency, and economic stability.

Conclusion

South Korea’s political landscape is at a critical juncture, with the impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo adding to an already intense political deadlock. As the nation grapples with this turmoil, the implications for governance, constitutional law, and economic stability remain profound. The coming weeks will determine how South Korea navigates this historic moment and whether it can restore order amidst the chaos.

Key Takeaways