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South Korea’s opposition moves to impeach acting president amid political turmoil

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South Korea’s opposition party has filed an impeachment motion against Acting President Han Duck-soo, escalating the ongoing political crisis triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension.

The dispute centers on the composition of the Constitutional Court, which must rule on Yoon’s impeachment.

Yoon, currently suspended, declared martial law on December 3, sparking controversy. On December 14, the National Assembly voted to impeach him, but the process remains incomplete pending a Constitutional Court ruling.

However, the court is currently short three judges, complicating the matter. While the court can proceed with six justices, a single dissenting vote could reinstate Yoon.

The opposition Democratic Party has called on Han to appoint three new judges to fill the nine-member bench, a request Han has refused, leaving the matter in a deadlock.

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In response, the Democratic Party announced on Thursday that it had moved to impeach Han. “We have filed the motion… and will report it to the plenary session today,” said MP Park Sung-joon at the National Assembly. “We will put it to a vote tomorrow.”

The Democratic Party accuses Han of failing in his constitutional duties by refusing to appoint the judges and blocking two special investigative bills. These bills aim to investigate Yoon’s martial law declaration and corruption allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee.

“Han’s refusal to formally appoint the three judges proves that he does not have the will or qualification to uphold the constitution,” said the Democratic Party’s floor leader, Park Chan-dae.

The impeachment motion also states that Han is “intentionally avoiding the special investigation to probe those involved in the insurrection,” adding that such actions violate “a public official’s duty to uphold the law and serve the public.”

Han has defended his decision, arguing that judicial appointments require bipartisan consensus. “The consistent principle embedded in our constitution and laws is to refrain from exercising significant exclusive presidential powers, including the appointment of constitutional institutions,” Han said. “A consensus between the ruling and opposition parties in the National Assembly, representing the people, must first be reached.”

Han also rejected the opposition’s special bills earlier this week, prompting further calls for his impeachment. If the motion passes, Han would become the first acting president in South Korea’s democratic history to be impeached. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok would assume the role of acting president in his place.

This impeachment motion follows Yoon’s suspension and looming criminal charges of insurrection, which could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. Yoon has been summoned to appear for questioning on December 29, following two previous refusals.

If the Democratic Party succeeds in impeaching Han, it will mark the second removal of a head of state within two weeks, plunging South Korea into deeper political instability.

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