South Korea faces political turmoil as parliament impeaches president

In South Korea, a severe political crisis has unfolded following the impeachment of acting President Han Duck-soo on December 27, 2024. This development comes mere weeks after President Yoon Suk Yeol was also impeached by the National Assembly for his abrupt declaration of martial law on December 3, which lasted only six hours. Han, who ascended to the acting presidency after Yoon's removal, faced pressure from the opposition Democratic Party to expedite the appointments of judges to fill vacancies in the Constitutional Court, a critical body responsible for adjudicating Yoon's impeachment case. Han's refusal to appoint these justices thrust the nation further into turmoil and sparked accusations of complicity with Yoon, exacerbating the already fraught political climate. Han had argued that consensus between parties was required before proceeding with appointments. However, the opposition viewed his inaction as a dereliction of duty and a barrier to accountability regarding Yoon's actions. This political fallout has not only destabilized governance but also triggered mass protests among the populace, amplifying calls for governmental change and accountability. In the wake of Han's impeachment, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has taken on the role of acting president, compounding uncertainty as the nation grapples with a severe leadership crisis and potential diplomatic repercussions on a global scale. The ongoing turbulence has put South Korea's stability and international standing at risk, with adverse effects on its economy already felt in domestic markets. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Constitutional Court's pending rulings on both impeachments will ultimately shape the future political landscape in South Korea.