What's happened
On December 27, 2024, South Korea's parliament impeached acting president Han Duck-soo, following his refusal to appoint judges to the Constitutional Court. This decision comes after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol over a controversial martial law declaration earlier this month.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Japan Times, the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Han Duck-soo, with 192 lawmakers supporting the motion. This decision follows Han's refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court, which the opposition Democratic Party argues is essential for upholding the law. The South China Morning Post highlights that Han's actions have been perceived as obstructive, with opposition lawmakers accusing him of failing to fulfill his constitutional duties. The Guardian emphasizes the significance of this impeachment, noting it as a historic event in South Korea's democratic process. The political landscape remains uncertain, with potential implications for governance and public trust in the system.
How we got here
The political crisis in South Korea escalated after President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on December 3, 2024. Following his impeachment on December 14, Han Duck-soo assumed the role of acting president but faced opposition for not appointing judges to the Constitutional Court.
More on these topics
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Han Duck-soo is a South Korean politician who served as the 34th Prime Minister of South Korea, from 2007 until February 2008, and as the ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2013.
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Choi Sang-mok (Korean: 최상목, born 7 June 1963) is a South Korea's deputy prime minister and Minister of Economy and Finance.
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People Power Party may refer to:
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.