12/27 – International News Story & Update

South Korea plunged deeper into political instability as its parliament impeached acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday December 27, less than two weeks after suspending President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial martial law declaration. The impeachment motion against Han, who became acting president following Yoon’s suspension on December 14, underscores the volatile political crisis currently engulfing the country.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, now serving as acting president, sought to stabilize state affairs by convening the National Security Council and consulting military leaders.

“The government must do its best to ensure that the people do not become anxious or the security of the country and people’s daily lives are not shaken,” Choi emphasized in a statement.

South Korea’s crisis began on December 3, when Yoon declared martial law, a decision that triggered widespread public outrage and international concern. Parliament swiftly moved to impeach Yoon, citing his unconstitutional actions. The United States and European allies, who had viewed Yoon as a key partner in regional security, expressed alarm at the developments in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.

Han Duck-soo, then prime minister, assumed the role of acting president in Yoon’s place amidst his impending trial. However on Friday, the Democratic Party-led parliament voted overwhelmingly to impeach Han, accusing him of failing to uphold constitutional duties by refusing to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court.

Han argued that appointing the justices would exceed his authority as acting president. The motion passed with 192 votes in favor, while the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the session, denouncing the vote as “tyranny.” [Reuters]

Han accepted the impeachment decision, stating, “In order to avoid further chaos and uncertainty, I will suspend my duties in accordance with relevant laws,” and pledged to await the Constitutional Court’s review of the motion.

The Constitutional Court, which plays a crucial role in determining the fate of both Yoon and Han, remains short of three justices. While the court can proceed with six members, a single dissenting vote could reinstate Yoon. The opposition has demanded that Han approve the judicial appointments, a step he declined to take, citing the need for bipartisan consensus.

The impeachment motion accused Han of neglecting his duties by refusing to appoint judges and blocking two special investigation bills aimed at probing Yoon’s martial law declaration and corruption allegations involving Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee.

Yoon’s impeachment is under review by the Constitutional Court, which has until mid-2024 to decide. If upheld, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. Yoon also faces criminal charges for insurrection, with potential penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty. Accordingly to most South Korean pollsters, public opinion strongly supports his removal.

The political upheaval has rattled South Korea’s financial markets. The Korean won fell 0.5% to 1,477 per dollar, following a 15-year low earlier in the day. Analysts warn the instability could mirror the economic crisis of the late 1990s. This marks South Korea’s gravest political crisis since 1987, when mass protests led to democratic reforms. With both the presidency and judiciary embroiled in controversy, the nation’s democratic institutions face an unprecedented test.