South Korea’s Constitutional Court has dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, restoring him as the country’s acting president.
This decision follows weeks of political turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended for declaring martial law.
The court ruled that Han’s impeachment lacked the required majority in parliament and did not amount to a betrayal of public trust. The five-to-one verdict is final and cannot be appealed. Han immediately resumed his role as acting president, calling for unity and an end to political division.
The impeachment saga began in December when Yoon attempted to impose martial law, leading lawmakers to remove him from office. Han stepped in but was soon impeached over his alleged role in the crisis and a separate judicial appointment dispute. His reinstatement now raises further uncertainty about Yoon’s fate.
Public attention is now shifting to the pending court ruling on Yoon’s impeachment. The Constitutional Court has not yet announced a verdict, despite speculation that it would be decided by mid-March. Opposition leaders are urging the court to act quickly, warning that the delay is damaging the country’s economy and international standing.
If Yoon’s impeachment is upheld, South Korea will be required to hold new presidential elections within 60 days. Meanwhile, political tensions continue to rise, with massive protests for and against Yoon filling the streets. His supporters were further energized after his release from detention earlier this month, following his arrest on insurrection charges in January.
With the court’s decision on Yoon still pending, South Korea remains in a state of political uncertainty, as both government officials and the public await a resolution to the crisis.