In an unprecedented political development, South Korea’s acting President, Han Duck-soo, was impeached on Friday by the National Assembly, marking the second ousting of a head of state within a month.
This comes just weeks after President Yoon Suk Yeol faced impeachment following his controversial imposition of martial law.
The National Assembly approved the impeachment motion with 192 votes in favour and none against, with governing party lawmakers boycotting the vote.
The motion, brought forward by opposition lawmakers on Thursday, cited Han’s delay in appointing three justices to the Constitutional Court.
The court is set to deliberate on whether to uphold or overturn President Yoon’s impeachment. Acting President Han had argued that appointing justices exceeded his interim mandate.
Acknowledging the Assembly’s decision, Han stated that he would “respect the Friday decision.”
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is expected to assume the role of acting president as per South Korean law. However, Choi has expressed concerns over the potential fallout of Han’s impeachment.
“An absence of a control tower for state affairs during a time of global trade wars and national emergencies will cause severe damage to our country’s credibility, economy, national security, and governance continuity,” Choi warned earlier on Friday, as reported by Yonhap.
News of the impeachment has already shaken investor confidence. The Korean won fell by 0.40% to 1,472.22 per US dollar, while the Kospi index slid by 1.02% during the Friday session, highlighting the economic vulnerability amid political instability.
The impeachment follows the dramatic removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3, after a six-hour imposition of martial law.
Yoon justified his actions as necessary to “protect the constitutional order based on freedom” and to counter “pro-North Korea anti-state groups.”
His impeachment has led to deep divisions within the political landscape, with the Constitutional Court now tasked with deciding his fate.
The court held its first hearing on Yoon’s case on Friday and has 180 days to issue a ruling.
Opposition lawmakers have defended the impeachment of Han, citing concerns over governance and constitutional integrity. However, Han’s ruling Power People Party argued that the impeachment exacerbates political uncertainty and harms South Korea’s democratic image.