South Korea stands on the precipice of a more intense political crisis as lawmakers move to vote to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo. Han has acted as president since President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached on December 14 following his brief declaration of martial law. The impeachment motion, led by the opposition Democratic Party, escalates tensions in a nation already grappling with political instability and economic uncertainty.
The impeachment move is a result of Han’s refusal to appoint three justices to the Constitutional Court, a task he said exceeded his caretaker role. The opposition has accused Han of abusing power to block Yoon’s trial, calling him a “key suspect in the rebellion” linked to Yoon’s martial law decree. While Han had initially been protected from impeachment by the Democratic Party in the interest of national stability, disagreements over his actions concerning judicial appointments and other political matters have sparked the push for his removal.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court will also hold its first hearing on Yoon’s impeachment case, where it will decide whether Yoon should be reinstated or permanently removed from office. If Yoon is removed, a new election will be held within 60 days. The court has 180 days to reach a decision.
The political mayhem has sent South Korea’s economy reeling with the won now at a new low since March 2009. Analysts predict that if the turbulence persists and if the greenback continues its rally, things will go from bad to worse.
Early in December, Yoon’s imposition of martial law shocked the nation and generated widespread opposition. His suspension from office and ongoing criminal investigations into the martial law decree only deepen political divisions, with the country still in uncertainty.
