South Korea’s Constitutional Court Reinstates Impeached Prime Minister as Acting President

In the latest development in South Korea’s tumultuous political landscape, the Constitutional Court on Monday reinstated impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president, Al Jazeera reports.

This decision marks a significant turn in the ongoing saga triggered by the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The court’s eight justices voted 7-1 to dismiss Han’s impeachment, effectively restoring him to the country’s highest office while the court continues to deliberate on the fate of Yoon, who was suspended from his duties after imposing a brief period of martial law on December 3.

While the court acknowledged the validity of the impeachment motion against Han, five justices ruled that there were insufficient grounds for his removal. Two justices went further, arguing that the legislature’s impeachment motion lacked legitimacy from the outset, as it was only supported by 192 of the 300 lawmakers, falling short of the required two-thirds majority.

Han, 75, had been appointed acting president following Yoon’s impeachment on December 14. However, he was himself suspended from his duties less than two weeks later due to his refusal to appoint three additional justices to the Constitutional Court.

In a televised address following the ruling, Han expressed his gratitude to the court for its “wise decision” and pledged to focus on navigating the geopolitical challenges facing the country.

“I believe that all citizens are clearly speaking out against the highly polarised political sphere. I think there is no place for division now. Our country’s priority is to move forward,” he stated.

The decision comes as the Constitutional Court remains engaged in deliberations on whether to confirm Yoon’s impeachment or restore his presidential powers. A decision on Yoon’s fate is widely expected within the coming days, having been under consideration since mid-December.

To permanently remove Yoon from office, at least six of the eight justices must vote to uphold the impeachment. Should Yoon be stripped of the presidency, an election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days.

Adding to the complexity, Yoon is also facing separate criminal charges, including insurrection, related to his short-lived martial law decree. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the death penalty.