South Korea's Constitutional Court Reinstates Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as Acting President
In a landmark decision on March 24, 2025, South Korea's Constitutional Court overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president amid a period of significant political upheaval.
The political crisis in South Korea escalated in December 2024 when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, a move that sparked widespread protests and condemnation. The National Assembly responded by impeaching President Yoon on charges of violating constitutional constraints and attempting to mobilize the military for political purposes.
Following President Yoon's suspension, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed the role of acting president. However, his tenure was short-lived; less than two weeks later, on December 27, 2024, Han was impeached by the National Assembly. The impeachment stemmed from his refusal to appoint additional justices to the Constitutional Court, a decision that was perceived as hindering the court's ability to function effectively during a critical period.
The Constitutional Court's decision to overturn Han's impeachment was nearly unanimous, with seven out of eight justices voting in favor of reinstatement. The court concluded that the accusations against Han did not legally justify his removal from office, or that the impeachment did not meet the required quorum.
Furthermore, the court found no evidence linking Han to the cabinet meeting where President Yoon declared martial law. However, the court refrained from commenting on the legality of the martial law itself, leaving that issue unresolved.
Upon his reinstatement, Han Duck-soo expressed gratitude for the court's decision and emphasized the need to address urgent national matters, including global trade and economic stability. He also called for national unity, urging citizens to move beyond the recent political strife and work collectively towards the nation's progress.
The court's ruling on Han's impeachment has significant implications for the pending decision on President Yoon's status. The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to deliberate on Yoon's impeachment, during which he remains suspended from office. If the court upholds the impeachment, South Korea will be required to hold a presidential election within 60 days to elect a new leader.
The public's reaction to these events has been mixed. While some citizens view the court's decision as a restoration of constitutional order, others remain skeptical about the political establishment's ability to address their concerns. The initial declaration of martial law by President Yoon led to mass protests, reflecting deep-seated apprehensions about potential autocratic governance.
Political parties have also expressed varied responses. Members of the opposition have called for comprehensive reforms to prevent future abuses of power, while supporters of President Yoon argue that his actions were necessary to maintain national security during a tumultuous period.
The international community has closely monitored South Korea's political developments. Allies and neighboring countries have expressed hopes for a swift resolution to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of stability in the region. The reinstatement of Han Duck-soo is seen by some analysts as a positive step towards restoring governmental functionality and public trust.
As acting president, Han Duck-soo faces the formidable task of steering the nation through this challenging period. His immediate priorities include stabilizing the political landscape, addressing economic concerns, and preparing for the potential outcomes of President Yoon's impeachment trial.
The Constitutional Court's forthcoming decision on President Yoon will be pivotal in determining South Korea's political trajectory. The nation stands at a crossroads, with the potential either to reinforce its democratic principles or to face further political fragmentation.
The reinstatement of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president marks a significant development in South Korea's ongoing political saga. The Constitutional Court's decision underscores the resilience of the nation's democratic institutions amidst unprecedented challenges. As the country awaits the final verdict on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, the emphasis remains on upholding constitutional values, ensuring governmental accountability, and fostering national unity.
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