South Korea’s leadership crisis deepened on Friday after lawmakers voted to oust the acting president, Han Duck-soo, in less than two weeks. The move prolonged the political vacuum that has gripped the country since President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law for the first time in decades.
The impeachment was the second major move against President Yoon’s administration, following his ill-fated attempt to declare martial law on December 3. Lawmakers impeached and suspended him on December 14, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stepping in as acting president. However, Mr. Han’s tenure was short-lived, as opposition lawmakers voted to impeach him as well.
The latest impeachment “suggests to the world that Korea’s political unrest could be prolonged and worsened,” said Jeong Hoiok, a professor of political science at Myoungji University in Seoul. This would cause significant harm to South Korea’s diplomacy and economic status, built over years.
Mr. Han’s impeachment meant that Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok would take over as acting president. Like Mr. Han, Mr. Choi has no electoral mandate, raising concerns about the stability of the government.
The opposition pushed for Mr. Han to appoint new judges to fill vacancies in the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to reinstate or formally remove President Yoon from office. However, Mr. Han refused to do so, citing a delay tactic by the governing camp.
The impeachment process has added to South Korea’s economic woes, including slowing growth and concerns about exports. The country’s currency, the won, has tumbled to levels not seen since the global financial crisis in 2008.
Lawmakers from both parties disagreed on how many votes were needed for Mr. Han to be impeached. However, a simple majority vote was ultimately required, with all lawmakers voting in favor of the motion.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/world/asia/south-korea-impeach-president-han.html