South Korea’s Constitutional Court has dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as the country’s acting president.
Han had initially taken over last December when President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended after attempting to declare martial law.
However, Han’s leadership was short-lived, lasting only two weeks before lawmakers impeached him as well. Since then, South Korea has been under the interim leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, as political turmoil continues to grip the nation.
The crisis began when Yoon’s controversial attempt to impose martial law led to his impeachment by parliament. Han’s subsequent decision to block the appointment of new judges to the Constitutional Court—seen as a move to protect Yoon from permanent removal—angered the opposition, prompting his own impeachment.
On Monday, the Constitutional Court ruled seven to one in favor of overturning Han’s impeachment. “I thank the Constitutional Court for its wise decision,” Han said following the verdict. “I will work to bring the government to order.”
Despite Han’s reinstatement, South Korea remains in political limbo as the court prepares to rule on the impeachment of President Yoon. His removal was approved by parliament on December 14, but the final decision rests with the court. If the judges reject the impeachment, Yoon will return to office immediately.
The date for Yoon’s verdict has yet to be set, but tensions are rising as both his supporters and opponents take to the streets. Last weekend, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators flooded Seoul, reflecting deep divisions over the president’s fate.
Yoon’s impeachment has been one of the most contentious political events in South Korea’s recent history. While his supporters argue that his leadership was necessary to maintain order, critics view his attempt at martial law as a dangerous overreach of power.
The court’s decision on Yoon will shape South Korea’s political future. If upheld, the country could face a prolonged power struggle and possible early elections. If overturned, the opposition is expected to challenge his return, further fueling nationwide unrest.
As Han resumes his role as acting leader, his ability to stabilize the government remains uncertain. His reinstatement could provide temporary relief, but with the nation’s highest court still deliberating Yoon’s fate, South Korea’s political crisis is far from over.
