South Korea recently finds itself embroiled in a deepening political crisis as lawmakers have voted to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo. This decision comes just two weeks after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking an unprecedented period of political instability in the nation.
The turmoil began when President Yoon, who had been serving since May 2022, made the controversial decision to impose martial law on December 3, 2024. This move was met with widespread condemnation and led to his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024.
The impeachment of President Yoon left a power vacuum that was temporarily filled by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who assumed the role of acting president. However, Han's tenure was short-lived as opposition lawmakers moved swiftly to impeach him as well.
On December 26, 2024, the National Assembly, controlled by the opposition Democratic Party, voted overwhelmingly in favor of Han's impeachment with a 192-0 vote. The governing People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote, protesting the decision and labeling it "invalid."
The political upheaval has plunged South Korea into uncertainty, with massive implications for its economy and international relations. The country's currency, the won, has plummeted to its lowest level against the dollar since the global financial crisis 16 years ago. Business and consumer confidence have taken a hit, exacerbating the economic challenges already facing the nation.
The impeachment proceedings against both Yoon and Han have highlighted the deep divisions within South Korea's political landscape. The Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, has been at odds with the PPP over several key issues, including the appointment of Constitutional Court justices. The court is currently reviewing whether to uphold Yoon's impeachment, a decision that requires the support of at least six of its nine justices. However, with only six justices currently seated, the outcome remains uncertain.
Han's impeachment has further complicated matters, as he had blocked the appointment of three new justices nominated by the assembly. The opposition argued that these appointments were crucial to ensuring a fair ruling on Yoon's impeachment. In response, Han stated that he would not make any appointments without bipartisan consent, a stance that ultimately led to his downfall.
With Han's powers suspended, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has stepped in as the new acting president. However, like his predecessors, Choi lacks an electoral mandate, raising concerns about the legitimacy and stability of the interim government. In a statement following his appointment, Choi emphasized the need to "minimize the confusion in state affairs" and pledged to stabilize the government during this tumultuous period.
The political crisis in South Korea has also strained its alliances, particularly with the United States. As one of Washington's key allies in the region, South Korea's leadership vacuum poses challenges for strategic coordination, especially in light of North Korea's ongoing nuclear threats. The timing of the crisis is particularly sensitive, as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office in January 2025. The absence of a strong elected leader in Seoul could hinder high-level diplomatic efforts and impact regional security dynamics.
The situation has drawn international attention, with experts warning of potential long-term repercussions for South Korea's diplomatic and economic standing. Jeong Hoiok, a professor of political science at Myoungji University in Seoul, noted that the ongoing unrest "suggests to the world the possibility that Korea’s political unrest could be prolonged and worsen," potentially causing "significant harm to the diplomacy and economic status that Korea has built so far."
Comments