South Korean Lawmakers Impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo
South Korea’s acting president, Han Duck-soo, has been impeached by parliament, just two weeks after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
A total of 192 lawmakers voted for Han’s impeachment, surpassing the 151 votes needed to pass it.
Han took over as acting president after Yoon was impeached for attempting to impose martial law on December 3. While Han was expected to guide the country through political instability, opposition lawmakers accused him of blocking efforts to complete Yoon’s impeachment.
The parliamentary vote on Friday was marked by chaos. Lawmakers from Yoon and Han’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) protested when the National Assembly speaker announced that only 151 votes were needed to approve Han’s impeachment.
This was lower than the 200 votes required for Yoon’s impeachment, and no ruling party votes were necessary for Han’s removal.
Protesting MPs gathered in the center of the chamber, shouting “invalid!” and “abuse of power!” and called for the Speaker’s resignation. Many boycotted the vote.
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Han will be suspended from his duties once parliament officially notifies him. As with Yoon’s impeachment, Han’s removal must be confirmed by the Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to decide.
Han responded, “I respect the decision of the National Assembly” and said he would await the court’s ruling.
The opposition filed for Han’s impeachment after he blocked the appointment of three judges chosen by parliament to oversee Yoon’s case.
The Constitutional Court typically consists of nine judges, but with only six currently seated, the impeachment’s outcome depends on at least six votes in favor.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is set to replace Han as acting president. Han’s removal is expected to deepen the political deadlock and uncertainty facing South Korea.
On Friday, the Korean won hit its lowest point against the dollar since the global financial crisis of 2008, with both parties blaming each other for the turmoil.
South Korean Lawmakers Impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo
