South Korea’s Constitutional Court has ruled to strike down the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and restore his powers, following his impeachment as acting president more than two months ago. Han took over as acting leader from President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached for his declaration of martial law. Han lasted less than two weeks in the post, clashing with the opposition-led parliament by refusing to appoint more justices to the Constitutional Court, which led to his impeachment.
The court ruled seven to one to strike down the impeachment, allowing Han to regain his powers. Han, 75, has served in leadership positions for more than three decades under five presidents, viewed as a rare example of an official transcending party lines. The opposition-led parliament accused him of not doing enough to oppose Yoon’s martial law declaration, an accusation he denied.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok assumed the role of acting president during the Constitutional Court’s consideration of Han and Yoon’s cases. Han was impeached over his alleged involvement in the martial law declaration and his refusal to appoint more justices to the Constitutional Court. The unexpected imposition of martial law by President Yoon caused political upheaval in South Korea and drew concerns from allies such as the United States.
The martial law lasted only about six hours after lawmakers rejected the declaration, defying efforts to seal off parliament. Han denied any role in the martial law episode during the court hearing and called for the impeachment to be dismissed. The ruling to restore his powers marks the latest twist in South Korea’s political turmoil.
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