On March 23, 2025, South Korea's Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president, lifting the impeachment imposed by the National Assembly. His reinstatement follows a tumultuous political period in which Han briefly held the presidency after Yoon Suk Yeol's own impeachment in December 2024.
South Korea's Constitutional Court Restores Impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo
South Korea's Constitutional Court Restores Impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo
Han Duck-soo reclaims position as acting president, navigating a climate of political instability following impeachments of both him and President Yoon Suk Yeol.
In December, the National Assembly removed President Yoon due to his controversial attempt to implement martial law. Han Duck-soo stepped in as acting president but was soon impeached as well on December 27, intensifying the political crisis in South Korea, a significant ally of the United States. The court's ruling announced on Monday confirmed Han's reinstatement, though it did not include a timeline on Yoon's impeachment fate—a ruling South Koreans eagerly await.
Should Yoon be ousted, another presidential election would ensue within 60 days; if reinstated, he would need to navigate an increasingly divided political landscape. The Constitutional Court has the ultimate authority over the impeachment process, and its recent ruling is final and unappealable. Following Han's impeachment, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed the role of acting president.
The Assembly cited Han's alleged involvement in Yoon's unlawful declaration of martial law and failure to appoint three Court justices as reasons for his impeachment, charges Han has denied.
In an environment ripe for change, political tensions continue to simmer in South Korea as leaders grapple with significant scrutiny and public concern.
Choe Sang-Hun is the lead reporter for The Times in Seoul, focusing on South and North Korean issues.
Should Yoon be ousted, another presidential election would ensue within 60 days; if reinstated, he would need to navigate an increasingly divided political landscape. The Constitutional Court has the ultimate authority over the impeachment process, and its recent ruling is final and unappealable. Following Han's impeachment, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed the role of acting president.
The Assembly cited Han's alleged involvement in Yoon's unlawful declaration of martial law and failure to appoint three Court justices as reasons for his impeachment, charges Han has denied.
In an environment ripe for change, political tensions continue to simmer in South Korea as leaders grapple with significant scrutiny and public concern.
Choe Sang-Hun is the lead reporter for The Times in Seoul, focusing on South and North Korean issues.
