Another day, another twist. South Korea’s political drama is becoming more gripping—and increasingly unpredictable. The Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president in yet another dramatic turn amid months of upheaval.
Han initially stepped into the role after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached for briefly declaring martial law late last year. However, his tenure as acting president was short-lived—lasting less than two weeks—before he was impeached and suspended by the opposition-controlled parliament on December 27 for refusing to appoint three additional justices to the Constitutional Court.
The decision, which could shape Yoon’s future, put Han at odds with the opposition.
An Important Verdict
On Monday, the court’s justices voted seven to one to overturn Han Duck-soo’s impeachment. Of the eight justices, five acknowledged the validity of the impeachment motion but ruled that there were insufficient grounds to remove him, as he had not violated the constitution or South Korean law regarding the martial law declaration or potential insurrection, according to a court statement. Two justices found the impeachment motion invalid from the outset, arguing that it had not secured the required two-thirds majority in parliament. Only one justice voted in favor of impeachment.
Political Deadlock in South Korea
South Korea remains mired in political deadlock, with the president and parliament locked in a standoff, each representing rival parties unwilling to display even a modicum of political maturity. The country lacks both strong and imaginative governance. While the Constitutional Court’s ruling restores a form of leadership, whether it can resolve the impasse remains uncertain.
Although the political deadlock stems from the last parliamentary election, the crisis escalated dramatically when President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly imposed martial law on December 3. Despite his attempts to retain power, he was ultimately impeached following sustained efforts by parliament. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo briefly assumed the role of acting president, only to face impeachment himself soon after. In the aftermath, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok took over as acting president while the Constitutional Court deliberated on the cases of both Yoon and Han, deepening the country’s governance turmoil.
Reinstated as acting president on Monday, Han welcomed the court’s decision and described it as a wise ruling. He emphasized the urgency of national unity, noting that citizens were clearly voicing their discontent with the country’s deeply polarized political landscape. He added that there was no room for further division and that the nation’s priority should be to move forward.
At 75, Han is a seasoned statesman with more than three decades of leadership experience, having served under five presidents from both conservative and liberal parties. In a nation deeply polarized by partisan politics, he has been regarded as a rare figure whose career transcends ideological divides. Parliament impeached him over his alleged involvement in the martial law declaration, his refusal to appoint additional justices to the Constitutional Court, and his opposition to special counsel bills targeting Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee.
What Comes Next?
The country is grappling with one of its worst ecological crises, marked by rampant wildfires, severe drought, and escalating economic challenges—emergencies that call for strong and stable leadership. Yet, political leaders remain entrenched in their rivalries, unwilling to set aside their differences.
Despite his reinstatement, Acting President Han continues to face resistance from the opposition. The opposition-led parliament has accused him of failing to prevent Yoon’s declaration of martial law, a charge he has consistently denied. At his sole hearing on February 19, Han rejected any involvement in the decision and urged the court to dismiss the impeachment.
Yoon’s office welcomed Han’s reinstatement, stating that the ruling exposed the reckless and politically motivated nature of excessive impeachments by the national assembly. The officers expressed hope for greater stability in governance, though the next episode remains volatile.