Acting President Han Duck-soo File

South Korea’s National Assembly voted unanimously on Friday to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo—marking the first time in the country’s history that an acting president has been removed from office by parliament.

The 192-0 vote comes less than two weeks after Han stepped in to replace President Yoon Suk Yeol, who himself was impeached following widespread backlash over his controversial imposition of martial law. With Han suspended from his duties, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will temporarily step in to serve as both acting president and acting prime minister.

In a statement following the vote, Han said, “I respect the decision of the National Assembly, and in order not to add to the confusion and uncertainty, I will suspend my duties in line with relevant laws and wait for the swift and wise decision of the Constitutional Court.”

Tensions Rise Amid Questions of Legitimacy

While the vote passed unanimously, it wasn’t without drama. Members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) fiercely contested the process, arguing that the impeachment should have required a two-thirds majority of 200 votes, not the simple majority of 151 votes applied to Cabinet members. The quorum, announced moments before the vote by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, sparked an uproar. PPP lawmakers shouted “null and void” and even tried to disrupt proceedings.

The PPP has signaled it will take legal action, potentially seeking an injunction to nullify Han’s impeachment.

Why Was Han Impeached?

The impeachment motion, introduced by the opposition Democratic Party (DP), listed five charges against Han. These include:

• His refusal to appoint additional justices to the Constitutional Court.

• His alleged involvement in President Yoon’s martial law plan.

• His rejection of two special counsel bills targeting President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon Hee.

Han’s refusal to appoint new justices is especially significant, as the Constitutional Court is set to decide President Yoon’s fate in the impeachment trial. Critics argue that his actions raised concerns about impartiality and democratic integrity.

What’s Next for South Korea?

With political tensions running high, all eyes are now on the Constitutional Court. Will it uphold Han’s impeachment? What will this mean for President Yoon’s ongoing trial? And how will the nation navigate this unprecedented political crisis?

One thing is clear: South Korea’s political landscape has entered uncharted territory, and the coming weeks promise to be critical for the country’s future.