South Korea is facing an unprecedented political crisis following the impeachment of Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. This development comes on the heels of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment earlier this month, plunging the nation into deeper uncertainty.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Impeachment
- December 14, 2024: President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached after declaring martial law, a move that sparked widespread controversy and unrest.
- December 27, 2024: The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo, with 192 out of 300 lawmakers supporting the motion. The impeachment was primarily due to Han’s refusal to appoint three justices to the Constitutional Court, a decision that hindered the court’s ability to expedite Yoon’s impeachment proceedings.
Political Implications
The impeachment of both the President and Acting President within such a short timeframe has led to a power vacuum. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed the role of Acting President, but the nation’s leadership remains in flux pending the Constitutional Court’s review of Han’s impeachment.
Economic and Social Impact
This political instability has had immediate repercussions:
- Economic Concerns: The South Korean won has experienced a significant drop in value, reflecting investor apprehension.
- Public Unrest: Large-scale protests have erupted nationwide, with citizens expressing frustration over the government’s actions and the ensuing chaos.
International Relations
South Korea’s diplomatic standing has been affected, with allies and neighboring countries closely monitoring the situation. The swift succession of impeachments has raised questions about the stability of South Korea’s democratic institutions.
Future Outlook
The Constitutional Court’s forthcoming decisions on the impeachments of both President Yoon and Acting President Han will be pivotal in determining South Korea’s political trajectory. Should the court uphold the impeachments, the nation may face early presidential elections, further extending the period of uncertainty.
South Korea stands at a critical juncture, with its political landscape undergoing rapid and unprecedented changes. The outcomes of these impeachment proceedings will have lasting implications for the nation’s governance, economic health, and international relations.