On March 24, 2025, South Korea’s Constitutional Court made a pivotal ruling, annulling the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and restoring his authority as acting president. This decision comes in the wake of a political crisis that began with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, which sparked widespread unrest and led to his own impeachment by the National Assembly.
Han Duck-soo, aged 75, is a seasoned technocrat who has held various leadership roles across five administrations, transcending party lines. He assumed the position of acting president on December 14, 2024, after Yoon’s suspension.
However, Han’s tenure was short-lived; he was impeached just two weeks later due to accusations of neglecting his constitutional duties and failing to appoint justices to the Constitutional Court. The opposition party claimed he played a role in Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration.
The court’s ruling was decisive, with seven out of eight justices voting against Han’s impeachment. The court found that the allegations against him did not meet the legal thresholds for impeachment and that the National Assembly lacked the necessary supermajority for such a motion. The court stated that Han’s actions did not constitute a betrayal of public trust.
As South Korea navigates this complex political landscape, the implications of this ruling are far-reaching. Analysts suggest that while Han’s reinstatement may bolster support for Yoon among his followers, it does not necessarily predict the outcome of Yoon’s pending impeachment trial. The country remains on edge as it grapples with deepening political divisions and economic challenges.
In his response to the court’s decision, Han expressed gratitude for being able to serve the nation during such turbulent times.
He faces significant challenges ahead as he seeks to stabilize governance while addressing pressing issues such as North Korea’s threats and economic recovery.
This ongoing saga reflects a broader struggle within South Korea’s democracy and raises questions about governance and accountability in times of crisis.
As the nation awaits further developments regarding President Yoon’s fate, Han Duck-soo’s reinstatement marks a critical juncture in South Korea’s political narrative.
