South Korean court reinstates PM Han as acting leader; decision on President Yoon’s impeachment pending | World News
South Korea’s Constitutional Court Monday overturned the impeachment of Prime Miner Han Duck-soo, restoring him as acting president, reported news agency AP. However, the court is yet to decide on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol which remains a critical issue for the country’s leadership.
Han took on the role of acting president after Yoon was impeached the National Assembly over his controversial decision to impose martial law on 3 December, which sparked a major political crisis. However, Han himself was impeached later that month following tensions with opposition lawmakers.
The back-to-back suspensions of the country’s top two leaders have created deep political divisions and raised concerns about South Korea’s diplomatic and economic stability. In the meantime, Deputy Prime Miner and Finance Miner Choi Sang-mok had been serving as acting president.
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If Yoon’s impeachment is upheld, South Korea will need to hold a new presidential election. But if the court rules in his favour, he will return to office with full presidential powers.
Yoon, who was impeached about two weeks before Han, has also been arrested and charged with rebellion for declaring martial law. If found guilty, he could face a life sentence or even the death penalty. On 8 March, a Seoul court released Yoon from prison, allowing him to stand trial without being detained.
His decision to send troops and police to the National Assembly has been a key issue. Yoon inss he was acting to “maintain order,” AP reported. However, senior military and police officers have claimed that he instructed them to remove lawmakers forcibly to stop them from voting against his decree. Eventually, enough lawmakers managed to enter the assembly hall and unanimously voted to overturn martial law.
The country remains deeply divided, with large protests both supporting and opposing Yoon. While initial surveys showed that most South Koreans disapproved of his actions, support for him has been growing in recent weeks.
