The main opposition party in South Korea has announced its plans to pursue the impeachment of acting leader Han Duck-soo following his failure to meet an opposition-mandated deadline to approve independent investigations into impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and his spouse. Han’s potential impeachment could exacerbate the existing political instability in South Korea and concerns from neighboring nations, which have been heightened by Yoon’s unexpected imposition of martial law on December 3rd and subsequent impeachment. As the country’s second-ranking official, Han has assumed presidential powers and responsibilities in the wake of Yoon’s removal from office. Should Han also face impeachment, the finance minister would be next in line for succession.
The primary liberal opposition party, the Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, has criticized Han for rejecting a number of opposition-sponsored bills, including a contentious agriculture proposal. Furthermore, the party has called on Han to promptly appoint new justices to vacant positions on the Constitutional Court, presently tasked with reviewing Yoon’s impeachment and deciding on his reinstatement or dismissal. Filling these three judicial vacancies could potentially sway the court’s decision, as it necessitates the support of six out of nine possible members.
The Democratic Party has demanded that Han approve bills by Tuesday that seek the appointment of special prosecutors to investigate Yoon for rebellion related to his martial law declaration and his spouse for alleged corruption. However, Han did not comply during the Cabinet Council meeting on Tuesday and instead urged dialogue between the ruling and opposition factions.
Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae has indicated that negotiations regarding a probe into Yoon are non-negotiable and that steps toward impeachment will be initiated without delay. Park emphasized the pivotal role Han plays in this critical juncture, stating, “We’ve clearly warned that it’s totally up to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo whether he would go down in history as a disgraceful figure as a puppet of rebellion plot leader Yoon Suk Yeol or a public servant that has faithfully carried out the orders by the public.”
Separately, Korean authorities are investigating allegations of rebellion and abuse of power against Yoon. Despite requests for cooperation from investigative agencies, Yoon has reportedly evaded questioning and resisted searches of his office. Several high-ranking military and law enforcement officials have been arrested in connection to Yoon’s directive to deploy troops and police to the National Assembly, which culminated in a dramatic standoff and subsequent reversal by lawmakers.
The ruling People Power Party has denounced the opposition’s impeachment threats as an infringement on Han’s “legitimate exercise of authority.” Floor leader Kweon Seong-dong, a staunch supporter of Yoon, accused the Democratic Party of engaging in a “politics of intimidation” that has reached its zenith.
The impeachment process could encounter legal uncertainties, as the criteria for impeaching an acting president differ from that of other officials. While most officials can be impeached with a simple parliamentary majority, the removal of a president requires a two-thirds.
