South Korea’s Constitutional Court has reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president, decisively reversing his impeachment from three months ago. The landmark ruling, delivered on Monday with a 7-1 vote, ends a period of uncertainty and restores Han to the nation’s top office.
This decision comes as South Korea grapples with an unprecedented political crisis sparked by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived martial law declaration in December.
Han, aged 75, was originally impeached on December 27 barely two weeks into his tenure after parliament sanctioned him for refusing to appoint three additional justices to the Constitutional Court.
The court’s majority ruling found insufficient grounds for his removal, with five justices asserting that Han’s actions did not violate the constitution.
Two justices went further, declaring the impeachment motion itself invalid due to its failure to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority in parliament. Only one justice dissented, voting to uphold the impeachment.
Han’s Return Follows Yoon’s Downfall
Han assumed the role of acting president following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office for imposing martial law a move that plunged South Korea into its most severe political upheaval in decades.
Yoon’s brief authoritarian gambit triggered a cascade of consequences, including a leadership vacuum, multiple impeachments, resignations, and ongoing criminal investigations targeting top officials. Han’s reinstatement now positions him as a potential stabilizing force in this turbulent landscape.
Upon resuming office, Han wasted no time addressing the nation. “I am grateful for the wise decision made by the Constitutional Court,” he stated, commending the judiciary’s clarity.
He also thanked the cabinet for its steadfast efforts during his suspension, emphasizing unity in the face of adversity.
A Call to End Political Confrontation
Han’s remarks carried a broader message aimed at healing South Korea’s fractured political scene. “The people are making it very clear, in one voice, that the extreme confrontation in politics must stop,” he declared.
The 75-year-old leader, known for his measured approach, signaled a commitment to steering the country forward amid global uncertainties. “We will work together to prepare and implement responses to global changes, and to ensure that South Korea continues to develop well in the era of great geopolitical transformation,” he pledged.
Political Crisis Leaves Lasting Echoes
The reinstatement of Han Duck-soo marks a pivotal moment, yet it does not erase the deep scars left by Yoon’s martial law decree. The crisis has upended South Korea’s political establishment, with investigations continuing to unravel the full scope of the turmoil. Han’s leadership will now be tested as he navigates these challenges while striving to restore public confidence and address pressing domestic and international priorities.
The Constitutional Court’s authoritative ruling not only reinstates Han but also underscores the resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions amid chaos. As acting president, Han now holds the reins of a nation at a crossroads, tasked with bridging divides and charting a path toward stability
