South Korea's Political Crisis Deepens as Acting President Han Duck-soo Impeached

South Korea's political landscape has plunged into deeper turmoil following the impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo on December 27, 2024. The National Assembly, dominated by the opposition Democratic Party, passed the impeachment motion with a 192-0 vote, as members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the session.

Han Duck-soo had assumed the role of acting president after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached earlier in December for his controversial declaration of martial law. Yoon's brief imposition of martial law led to six hours of chaos, evoking memories of South Korea's tumultuous transition from military rule to democracy in the 1980s.

The Democratic Party initiated the impeachment against Han, accusing him of participating in Yoon's failed martial law declaration and refusing to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court. These appointments are crucial, as the court is responsible for ruling on President Yoon's official removal. Han's refusal to make these appointments has been perceived as an attempt to influence the court's decision-making process.

With Han's impeachment, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is expected to assume the role of acting president. In his initial address, Choi urged the military to maintain heightened vigilance against potential threats from North Korea, emphasizing the need for stability amid the ongoing political crisis.

The political upheaval has had immediate economic repercussions. The South Korean won has fallen to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar since 2009, and the benchmark KOSPI index has experienced declines, reflecting investor concerns over the country's stability.

The Constitutional Court now faces the task of ruling on the impeachments of both President Yoon and Acting President Han. However, the court is currently operating with only six justices, following the recent retirement of three judges. A minimum of seven justices is required to make a ruling, and at least six must agree to uphold an impeachment. Han's refusal to appoint new judges has exacerbated this issue, potentially delaying decisions on the impeachments and prolonging the political crisis.

The situation has sparked widespread public concern. Protests have erupted in major cities, with citizens demanding transparency and a swift resolution to the political deadlock. Many fear that the ongoing instability could undermine South Korea's democratic institutions and its standing on the international stage.

International observers have expressed apprehension over the developments in South Korea. Allies and neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation, given South Korea's strategic importance in regional security and global economic networks. The United States, a key ally, has urged South Korean leaders to resolve their differences through democratic means and to uphold the rule of law.

The political crisis has also stalled several key policy initiatives. Legislative processes have been disrupted, delaying decisions on economic reforms, defense policies, and international trade agreements. The paralysis in governance raises concerns about South Korea's ability to effectively address both domestic and international challenges during this period of uncertainty.

As the nation awaits the Constitutional Court's rulings, there is an urgent call for dialogue and compromise among political factions. Analysts suggest that appointing the pending judges to the court could expedite the impeachment proceedings and pave the way for restoring political stability. However, achieving consensus on these appointments remains a contentious issue.