South Korea is facing an unprecedented crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment left the country without a strong elected leader. The suspension of President Yoon’s powers has created a power vacuum, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stepping in as interim leader.
The National Assembly voted to impeach Mr. Yoon on Saturday, delivering a crushing vote of no confidence in a leader who had been unpopular throughout his term. Outside the legislature, people celebrated Mr. Yoon’s removal from office, but the political turmoil remains unresolved.
As the country waits for the Constitutional Court’s deliberations, which could take up to six months, the National Assembly is expected to name three justices, asking Mr. Han to formally appoint them. If Mr. Yoon is formally removed, South Korea will need another two months to elect a new president.
With the impeachment bill accusing Mr. Yoon of perpetrating an insurrection, senior officials in the government, police, and military face investigations on charges related to the incident. The upcoming Donald J. Trump administration has further complicated matters, as tensions rise between allies.
The challenge for Prime Minister Han lies in keeping the government functioning through this crisis. Despite his lack of political clout as prime minister, Mr. Han’s experience as a career bureaucrat and diplomat will be crucial in navigating these turbulent times.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/15/world/asia/south-korea-impeachment.html