South Korea’s political landscape is becoming increasingly tumultuous as opposition lawmakers have initiated a motion to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, just days after Parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. This latest move stems from Han’s refusal to appoint judges to the constitutional court as recommended by the main opposition party, the Democratic Party (DP).
DP floor leader Park Chan-dae criticized Han, stating, “Han has revealed himself to be an acting insurrectionist, not an acting president.” The opposition has also accused Han of supporting President Yoon’s controversial attempt to declare martial law on December 3, an action he later apologized for failing to prevent.
Adding to the tension, Han has vetoed several bills proposed by the opposition, including a measure for a special investigation into Yoon’s short-lived martial law declaration. The impeachment motion is expected to be voted on within the next 24 to 72 hours, requiring a minimum of 151 votes from the 300-member assembly to pass. The DP controls 170 seats in Parliament, while the combined opposition holds 192 seats.
Initially, opposition parties anticipated that Han would facilitate the legislative process during his tenure as acting leader. However, his refusal to compromise has exacerbated the political crisis. Recently, Han concluded a cabinet meeting without addressing two opposition-sponsored bills related to investigations into the martial law declaration and allegations of corruption involving first lady Kim Keon Hee, citing a need for more time for consensus.
In response, Park condemned Han’s tactics, accusing him of “buying time and prolonging the insurrection.” He warned that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo risks being remembered as a “disgraceful figure” if he does not uphold his constitutional duties.
On Thursday, Han announced he would not appoint the opposition-nominated judges to the constitutional court, which is currently deliberating President Yoon’s impeachment. Park responded by asserting that “it has become clear that Han Duck-soo is neither qualified nor willing to defend the constitution,” prompting the immediate tabling of the impeachment bill.
The ruling People Power Party defended Han by claiming that the opposition’s threats hinder his “legitimate exercise of authority.” With Han serving as caretaker president after Yoon’s recent ousting, a successful impeachment would elevate Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok to the role.
As South Korea grapples with this political crisis, the Seoul Constitutional Court is also deliberating whether to permanently bar President Yoon from office. The court’s first public hearing is expected later this week, though it remains uncertain if Yoon will participate. Demonstrators continue to demand Yoon’s removal, while investigators are pursuing him for alleged insurrection related to his failed martial law initiative and may issue an arrest warrant if he fails to respond to summons. Multiple senior officials are also facing investigations in connection with the matter.
