Seoul in Turmoil: Acting President Impeached Amid Political Chaos. In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean lawmakers have impeached acting President Han Duck-soo as the nation grapples with the fallout from his predecessor’s shocking martial law declaration.
This unprecedented move marks the first impeachment of an acting president in South Korea’s history, adding to the country’s already volatile political landscape. The Impeachment Drama Unfolds. Han Duck-soo, who stepped in as acting president after President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended for imposing martial law on December 3, now faces his own impeachment. Opposition MPs accused Han of obstructing the impeachment process against Yoon and failing to bring him to justice. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced the impeachment motion’s passage, with all 192 lawmakers present voting in favor. The vote was delayed due to protests from the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP), who argued that a simple majority was insufficient for such a significant decision. Political Turmoil Intensifies. The impeachment has further deepened the political crisis in South Korea. PPP lawmakers who did not participate in the vote vehemently opposed the motion, leading to chaotic scenes in parliament.
This marks the second impeachment of a South Korean head of state in just two weeks, highlighting the country’s turbulent political environment. PPP leader Kweon Seong-dong insisted that Han should continue to lead state affairs despite the impeachment. However, Han expressed his respect for the parliament’s decision and awaits the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the matter. Constitutional Court Showdown.
At the heart of the controversy is the composition of the Constitutional Court, which will decide the fate of both Yoon and Han. The court is currently short of three judges and Han’s refusal to appoint new nominees has led to a deadlock. The opposition claims that Han’s actions are a direct challenge to the Constitution and the law. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will step in as acting president in Han’s place. Choi had urged opposition lawmakers to reconsider the impeachment motion, warning of the potential economic fallout from increased political uncertainty, Economic Impact. The political turmoil has already taken a toll on South Korea’s economy. The South Korean won plummeted to its lowest level in nearly 16 years, trading at 1480.2 per US dollar. Investors, already wary of the country’s economic stability, have shunned the currency following the martial law declaration.
The Road Ahead As South Korea navigates this unprecedented political crisis, the nation awaits the Constitutional Court’s decision on the impeachments of Yoon and Han. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for the country’s political stability and economic future. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as South Korea’s political drama continues to unfold.