South Korea’s PM Han Duck-soo Faces Impeachment Amid Political Turmoil

South Korea’s opposition lawmakers have initiated a motion to impeach Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo, following a political crisis that began with the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol less than two weeks ago. Han assumed the role of caretaker president after Yoon was ousted earlier this month.

Should the motion pass, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok would assume the position of acting president.

The impeachment move follows Han’s refusal to appoint constitutional court judges nominated by the opposition Democratic Party (DP). “Han has revealed himself as an acting insurrectionist, not an acting president,” said DP floor leader Park Chan-dae on Thursday.

The opposition also accused Han of supporting Yoon’s controversial martial law attempt on December 3. Han had previously apologized for failing to prevent the declaration.

Additionally, Han vetoed several bills proposed by opposition parties, including one calling for a special investigation into Yoon’s brief martial law declaration.

The impeachment motion is expected to be voted on within the next 24 to 72 hours, requiring 151 votes from the 300-member parliament to succeed. The DP currently holds 170 seats, while the opposition bloc commands 192 seats in total.

Opposition parties had hoped that Han would not obstruct their legislative efforts while serving as the caretaker president, expecting him to allow bills to pass without interference. However, his firm stance has intensified political tensions.

On Tuesday, Han concluded a cabinet meeting without addressing two opposition-sponsored bills. These bills proposed investigations into both the martial law incident and corruption allegations involving First Lady Kim Keon Hee. Han explained that he wanted to give both ruling and opposition parties more time to reach a compromise.

However, Park Chan-dae accused him of “buying time” and further prolonging the political crisis. “We’ve made it clear that it is entirely up to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo whether he will go down in history as a disgraceful figure, a puppet of rebellion plot leader Yoon Suk Yeol, or a public servant who faithfully carried out the will of the people,” Park stated in a televised meeting.

Han, on Thursday, announced he would not appoint the three judges nominated by the opposition-dominated National Assembly to the constitutional court, which is reviewing whether President Yoon should be impeached, unless a consensus is reached between the rival parties.

In response, Park reiterated that Han was neither qualified nor willing to defend the constitution, stating the opposition would immediately proceed with the impeachment motion.

Han’s party, the ruling People Power Party, defended his actions, claiming the opposition’s threats were interfering with his legitimate authority. A senior official from Han’s office also criticized the opposition’s actions, calling them “extremely regrettable.”