South Korea’s main opposition party has introduced a bill to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo, citing his unfitness to protect the constitution. Han is under pressure to appoint three justices to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, which is trying Yoon Suk Yeol over his declaration of martial law.
The Democratic Party says that if Han does not comply, he will be impeached, potentially leading to a constitutional crisis. Han has argued that agreements on court appointments are needed before making any moves.
A vote on the impeachment bill is set for Friday, which could further destabilize the country after a short-lived martial law was declared last month. If Han is impeached, Finance Minister would assume acting presidency.
The opposition party has majority control of parliament but there is disagreement over whether two-thirds or simple majority is required to remove an acting president. The ruling party objects to some of the proposed court appointees, saying it had not agreed on their selection.
The Constitutional Court will hold its first hearing on Friday in Yoon’s trial. Under the constitution, six justices must agree to remove an impeached president, but the current justices can deliberate without the full nine-member bench. Yoon has been under pressure to submit legal papers and is facing criticism for his defiance.
Kim Yong-hyun, a former defence minister investigated over insurrection charges, is likely to be the first to face an indictment as a central figure in Yoon’s declaration of martial law.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-ex-ministers-lawyers-defend-martial-law-yoon-faces-impeachment-trial-2024-12-26