South Korea’s National Assembly has voted to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo, two weeks after parliament impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial attempt to impose martial law. A total of 192 lawmakers voted in favor of Han’s impeachment, surpassing the 151 votes required for it to succeed.
Han, who assumed the role of acting president after Yoon’s impeachment on December 3, was expected to lead the country through its ongoing political crisis. However, opposition lawmakers argued that Han had failed to fulfill his duties, particularly regarding the impeachment process against Yoon. Tensions reached a boiling point when Han blocked the appointment of three judges selected by parliament to oversee Yoon’s case, which further fueled the opposition’s push for impeachment.
The vote on Friday was marked by dramatic scenes in parliament, with lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) protesting the decision. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik had announced that only 151 votes were necessary for Han’s impeachment, a sharp contrast to the 200 votes required for Yoon’s impeachment. This allowed opposition lawmakers to proceed without the support of ruling party members. In response, PPP lawmakers shouted “invalid!” and “abuse of power!” and demanded that the Speaker step down, with many boycotting the vote altogether.
As a result of the impeachment, Han will be suspended from his duties once the decision is officially communicated by parliament. The motion for impeachment was filed after Han’s refusal to allow the appointment of the three judges, who were seen as critical to ensuring that Yoon’s impeachment would be upheld by the Constitutional Court. Currently, the court’s nine-member bench is operating with just six judges, and a single dissenting vote could prevent Yoon’s removal from office.
This marks the first time in South Korea’s history that an acting president has been impeached. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is set to take over as acting president until a new leader is appointed. However, the impeachment will require confirmation from the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to make a ruling on whether the decision will stand.
Han expressed respect for the National Assembly’s decision but stated he would suspend his duties to “avoid adding to the chaos.” He also said he would await the Constitutional Court’s decision.
The political crisis has had far-reaching economic consequences. On Friday, the Korean won dropped to its lowest level against the dollar since the global financial crisis in 2008. Both the ruling and opposition parties blame each other for the ongoing instability, which is likely to exacerbate the country’s political gridlock. The turmoil, along with Yoon’s failed martial law attempt, has left South Korea in a state of uncertainty, with serious implications for the country’s future leadership.
