South Korea’s Top Court Cancels Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s Impeachment
South Korea’s political crisis took a new turn as the Constitutional Court on Monday cancelled the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. This decision has reinstated Han as the country’s acting leader, while the court still has to decide on the separate impeachment case of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The court ruling has come at a sensitive time, with deep political divisions and growing tensions across the country. Although Han has returned to his role, the country is still waiting to hear what will happen with President Yoon’s future.
What Led to the Crisis?
In December, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law, sending hundreds of troops and police to the National Assembly. This move triggered strong reactions, and many saw it as a threat to democracy. The National Assembly, controlled by the liberal opposition, voted to impeach him on December 3.
Prime Minister Han became the acting president after Yoon’s impeachment. But soon after, Han himself was impeached by the assembly following political disputes. The back-to-back impeachments of both the president and the prime minister created huge confusion and worry in the country, especially for its economy and foreign relations.
Court Cancels Han’s Impeachment
The Constitutional Court, with seven out of eight justices agreeing, overturned Han’s impeachment. The court said that either the accusations weren’t serious, weren’t illegal, or the assembly vote didn’t follow the required process. Only one justice supported Han’s removal. According to the law, at least six justices must agree to remove someone from office, which didn’t happen here.
This means Han can now return to work as acting president. After the ruling, he said he would focus on urgent national matters, especially global trade issues. He also urged for national unity, saying, “There’s no left or right — what matters is the advancement of our nation.”
What About President Yoon’s Case?
The court has not yet given a final decision on President Yoon’s impeachment. If his impeachment is upheld, the country must hold a new presidential election. But if the court rules in his favour, he will return to his position with full powers.
Yoon was also arrested and charged with rebellion because of his martial law order. He was released on March 8 to stand trial without being held in prison. If found guilty, he could face life in jail or even the death penalty.
Public Reaction and Political Impact
The country is deeply divided. Some people support Yoon, while others are strongly against him. Protests and rallies, both in support and opposition, have been seen in Seoul and other cities. Earlier, most people disapproved of Yoon’s martial law, but his supporters have been growing louder over time.
A key controversy is why Yoon sent troops to the assembly. While he claimed it was to maintain peace, military and police officers later said Yoon had ordered them to remove lawmakers and stop them from voting. Still, the lawmakers managed to enter and cancel his martial law decision.
Han’s Role and the Opposition’s Anger
Han, who is also a former diplomat, tried to calm foreign partners and manage the economy while acting as president. However, opposition parties were upset when he didn’t appoint judges to fill three empty seats on the Constitutional Court. This move was seen as helping Yoon’s party increase their influence over the court.
Han’s replacement, Choi Sang-mok, did appoint two new judges but left one seat empty. Both Han and Choi said they needed political agreement to make these appointments, but critics believe they were helping the ruling People Power Party.
Now, the opposition has submitted a new impeachment motion, this time targeting Choi Sang-mok.
South Korea is going through a highly uncertain and divided time. With Prime Minister Han Duck-soo reinstated, the government now waits for the final verdict on President Yoon’s impeachment. The situation remains tense, as political fights continue and public opinion remains split.
How the court rules in Yoon’s case will decide the country’s direction — whether to go for a new election or return to the current leadership.