South Korea’s political crisis has intensified as the Democratic Party, the main Opposition, announced plans to introduce a bill to impeach acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
The move follows escalating tensions over unresolved judicial appointments and constitutional challenges that have gripped the nation.
The Democratic Party stated it would present the impeachment bill on Thursday, 26 December 2024, with a vote expected to take place on Friday, 27 December 2024.
This development comes amidst an ongoing constitutional crisis sparked by the declaration of martial law earlier in the month by impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The Opposition has criticised Mr Han for failing to promptly appoint three justices to the Constitutional Court, positions that remain vacant despite Parliament approving nominees on Thursday.
Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae accused Mr Han of lacking the will and qualifications to uphold the Constitution. In a statement, Mr Park said it had become evident that Mr Han could not safeguard the constitutional framework during this critical period.
If Mr Han is impeached, the acting presidency would transfer to the Finance Minister. While the Democratic Party holds a parliamentary majority, there is ongoing debate about whether a simple majority or a two-thirds vote is necessary to impeach an acting President.
Mr Han has maintained that he will not proceed with the appointments without political consensus, citing concerns about the impact on constitutional order.
Two of the three proposed appointees were nominated by the Democratic Party, with one nominee put forward by the ruling People Power Party. The ruling party has raised objections, arguing that the nominations were not agreed upon collectively.
This impasse comes as the Constitutional Court prepares for its first hearing on the impeachment trial of President Yoon, scheduled for Friday. The court must decide whether to remove Mr Yoon permanently or reinstate him.
Under South Korean law, at least six of the current justices must agree to remove an impeached President. However, the court has indicated it can proceed with deliberations without a full bench.
President Yoon was impeached by Parliament on 14 December 2024, a decision supported by some members of his centre-right party. The impeachment followed his controversial martial law declaration on 3 December, which was widely criticised both domestically and internationally.
Adding to the tension, Mr Yoon has not complied with the court’s request to submit legal documentation regarding the impeachment trial.
As of Thursday, he also failed to respond to the latest summons in a separate criminal investigation, further fuelling criticism from the Opposition. Calls for his arrest have grown louder as his repeated defiance raises concerns about accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
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