South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Monday dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president. Han had assumed the role after President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended for declaring martial law in a controversial move that plunged the country into a political crisis.
The court ruled 5-1 to dismiss the impeachment, with two of the eight justices voting to reject the motion entirely, according to Yonhap News Agency. The decision marks the latest development in a deepening political turmoil that began on December 3, when Yoon attempted to subvert civilian rule by declaring martial law. The opposition-controlled parliament impeached Yoon on December 14, alleging constitutional violations, including suppressing assembly activities and attempting to detain politicians. Han, who became acting president following Yoon’s suspension, was himself impeached just weeks later.
Impeachment Motion and Court’s Reasoning
Lawmakers had accused Han of obstructing efforts to restore the Constitutional Court’s full membership and abetting Yoon’s martial law declaration. They also criticized his refusal to appoint additional judges to the court, which is also tasked with deciding Yoon’s impeachment. At the time of the impeachment motion, the court had only six judges, leaving it vulnerable to deadlock. The opposition had pushed for three more appointments to ensure a full bench.
In its ruling, the court stated that while Han’s refusal to certify judicial nominees was illegal, it did not warrant his dismissal. Local broadcaster YTN reported that the court also found no evidence linking Han to meetings related to planning the martial law declaration.
Following the ruling, Han thanked the court for its “wise decision” and pledged to focus on addressing urgent national issues, including navigating a rapidly changing global trade environment—a likely reference to the Trump administration’s tariffs policy. He also called for national unity, stating, “There’s no left or right—what matters is the advancement of our nation.”
Political Fallout and Broader Implications
The successive impeachments of South Korea’s top two leaders have exacerbated domestic divisions and raised concerns about the country’s diplomatic and economic stability. Han, who sought to reassure international partners and stabilize markets during his brief tenure as acting president, faced sharp criticism from the opposition, which accused him of enabling Yoon’s actions.
Han’s reinstatement comes as the nation awaits the Constitutional Court’s ruling on Yoon’s impeachment, which remains pending. At least six of the court’s eight justices must vote to remove Yoon; otherwise, he will be reinstated. Experts had predicted a verdict by mid-March, but the court has yet to issue a decision, making Yoon’s case the longest deliberation in its history.
The opposition Democratic Party expressed disappointment over Han’s reinstatement and urged the court to expedite its ruling on Yoon’s impeachment. Meanwhile, Yoon’s office welcomed Monday’s decision, calling it evidence that the opposition’s impeachment efforts were “reckless” and politically motivated.
As South Korea grapples with unprecedented political instability, the court’s upcoming decision on Yoon’s fate is expected to have far-reaching implications for the nation’s governance and future.