South Korea’s parliament impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday, deepening the political crisis that began with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension over his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month.
Han, who had been serving as acting president since Yoon’s impeachment on December 14, is now the second high-ranking official to face removal in less than two weeks. The impeachment plunges South Korea into unprecedented political uncertainty, tarnishing its reputation as a democratic success story.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, next in line of succession, has assumed the role of acting president while the Constitutional Court reviews the cases of both Yoon and Han. Choi convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, consulted with military leaders, and pledged to stabilize state affairs during this tumultuous period.
“The government must do its best to ensure that the people do not become anxious or that the security of the country and daily lives are not disrupted,” Choi stated in an address to the nation.
The crisis began when President Yoon declared martial law on December 3, citing unspecified national security threats. The short-lived declaration was met with widespread domestic and international criticism, leading to his impeachment by parliament. Yoon’s removal and Han’s subsequent impeachment have rattled South Korea’s political system and economy.
The turmoil has also raised alarm among allies, including the United States and European nations, who view South Korea as a critical partner in addressing regional challenges posed by China, Russia, and North Korea.
Han’s impeachment has exacerbated the instability, leaving Choi as a temporary leader in a precarious position. Analysts warn that Choi could face impeachment himself if he fails to align with the opposition-led parliament, which has shown little tolerance for executive overreach.
The political upheaval comes at a sensitive time for Asia’s fourth-largest economy, which is grappling with slowing growth and inflationary pressures. Han’s ouster could further undermine investor confidence and delay key policy decisions.
Before his impeachment, Han had served as a stabilizing figure, urging parliament to reconsider its decision. “This will do serious damage to the economy and erode public trust in our institutions,” he warned in a final plea to lawmakers.
Despite Han’s warnings, parliament proceeded with the impeachment, citing concerns over his handling of the fallout from Yoon’s martial law declaration.
The Constitutional Court will now review the cases against Yoon and Han, a process that could take months. During this time, Choi faces the daunting task of steering the nation through political and economic uncertainty while maintaining public trust.
South Korea’s political crisis is a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions, even in established systems. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the country can navigate its way back to stability or spiral further into chaos.
