South Korea’s Constitutional Court announced on Thursday that it will rule on Prime Minister Han Duck-soo‘s impeachment on March 24, following his suspension as acting president last year.
South Korea’s top court’s ruling on whether to oust Han or restore his position will be carefully watched as it comes ahead of a highly anticipated impeachment ruling by the same court on suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The Constitutional Court has yet to announce a date for its ruling on whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment or restore his presidential powers.
Han’s Impeachment
Han was impeached as acting president by South Korea’s parliament more than two months ago amid the country’s worst political turmoil in decades.
Han took over as acting leader from President Yoon, who was himself impeached over his short-lived declaration of martial law last year.
Han had been in the position of acting president for less than two weeks and was impeached on December 27 after clashing with the opposition-led parliament by refusing to appoint three more justices to the Constitutional Court.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok assumed the position of acting president while the cases of Yoon and Han were considered by the Constitutional Court.
Yoon’s Impeachment
In December 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly following his declaration of martial law, which he justified as necessary to address an “existential crisis” posed by the legislature.
The impeachment led to his suspension from office, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo initially assuming the role of acting president.
The Constitutional Court has been deliberating on Yoon’s impeachment case, with final arguments presented in late February 2025. A ruling is anticipated by mid-March.
The delay in the court’s decision has intensified political tensions, prompting the main opposition Democratic Party to urge a swift verdict to mitigate public unrest.
Nation Polarised
Public sentiment is deeply divided, as evidenced by large-scale rallies both supporting and opposing Yoon. Recently, rival demonstrations occurred near the Constitutional Court, reflecting the nation’s polarised views on his potential removal from office.
Complicating matters, Yoon faces criminal charges related to his martial law declaration. He has defended his actions, asserting they were necessary to safeguard the nation against internal threats.
The Constitutional Court’s forthcoming decision will determine whether Yoon is reinstated or permanently removed from office. Should the impeachment be upheld, a presidential by-election must be held within 60 days to elect his successor.
(With inputs from Reuters)
