South Korea: Acting President Han Faces Impeachment as Opposition Presents Proposal in Parliament
The impeachment motion against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been passed, resulting in his removal from office. Following this, the main opposition Democratic Party has introduced an impeachment motion against acting President Han Duck-soo. The proposal was presented during a parliamentary session on Thursday.
The Democratic Party raised the impeachment motion after Acting President Han Duck-soo’s controversial decision regarding the appointment of judges. Han stated that judges for the Constitutional Court would not be appointed until the opposition parties reached a political agreement. In response, the opposition party asserted that if Han fails to appoint judges, they will proceed with his impeachment.
A vote on the impeachment motion is expected to take place within 24 to 72 hours, as mandated. Democratic Party spokesperson Yoon Jong-kun explained that the grounds for impeachment include Han’s failure to approve an independent investigation against the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife within the opposition’s stipulated timeline. The motion was unanimously supported by the opposition MPs during the parliamentary session.
Impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment motion passed with 204 votes in favor and only 85 against, leading to his immediate suspension from office. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo subsequently assumed the role of acting President.
The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to determine whether Yoon will be permanently removed from office or reinstated. If removed, South Korea will need to hold a national election within 60 days to select his successor.