South Korea is in the throes of a deepening political crisis as Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the acting president, faces an impeachment vote on Friday. This follows the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was suspended after his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3. The impeachment proceedings against Han, spearheaded by the opposition, come on the same day the Constitutional Court begins reviewing Yoon’s removal from office.
Opposition Pushes for Han’s Impeachment
The Democratic Party, led by opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, has accused Han of “acting for insurrection” and announced plans to impeach him. Lee framed the move as essential for national stability, stating, “The only way to normalise the country is to swiftly root out all the insurrection forces.” With a majority in parliament, the Democratic Party has positioned itself as acting on the public’s demand for accountability, reflected in opinion polls showing widespread support for Yoon’s impeachment.
At the heart of the Democratic Party’s grievances is Han’s decision not to immediately appoint three Constitutional Court justices, citing the limits of his acting role. This delay has been criticized as obstructing the court’s ability to resolve the political impasse.
Legal and Political Uncertainties
The impeachment vote raises questions about constitutional and procedural uncertainties. While a simple majority is required to impeach a prime minister, the threshold is higher—two-thirds—when the office of the president is involved. It remains unclear which standard applies to Han in his dual capacity as acting president.
Adding to the tension, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has warned that impeaching Han would exacerbate South Korea’s political instability and harm its economic credibility. Speaking on behalf of the cabinet, Choi cautioned, “The economy and the people’s livelihoods are walking on thin ice under a national state of emergency, and it cannot cope with greater political uncertainty.” If Han is suspended, Choi would legally assume the acting presidency, potentially extending the uncertainty.
Economic Fallout
The political turmoil has already begun to affect South Korea’s economy. On Friday morning, the South Korean won weakened to its lowest point since March 2009, as investors reacted to the political instability. Analysts have expressed concern that prolonged uncertainty could further erode confidence in South Korea’s economic and political systems.
Parallel Drama: Constitutional Court Hearings on Yoon
The impeachment vote coincides with the Constitutional Court’s first hearing to determine whether Yoon will be reinstated or removed permanently. The court has 180 days to decide Yoon’s fate. If he is permanently removed, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.
Yoon’s legal team, led by two high-profile lawyers, announced their attendance at Friday’s hearing after weeks of defiance, during which Yoon ignored court requests and criminal summons related to his martial law declaration. While Yoon himself is not required to attend, the hearing marks a pivotal moment in South Korea’s unfolding political drama.
What’s at Stake?
South Korea, once heralded as a vibrant democratic success story, now finds itself at a crossroads. The impeachment of its acting president could plunge the nation into deeper political chaos, further weakening public trust in its institutions. At the same time, the Constitutional Court’s ruling on Yoon’s impeachment will set a critical precedent for handling future crises.
