South Korea's Acting President Faces Impeachment Amid Crisis

Seoul: South Korea’s acting president, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, is facing an impeachment vote, deepening the political crisis that began with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension on December 14.

The Democratic Party (DP) announced the move on Thursday after Han declined to appoint three justices to the Constitutional Court, saying it exceeded his acting role. The court is currently reviewing President Yoon’s impeachment, with a decision expected within 180 days. If Yoon is permanently removed, a new presidential election will be held within 60 days.

Han defended his decision, stating that appointing justices without bipartisan agreement was beyond his authority as a caretaker. The DP accused him of obstructing Yoon’s trial and called him a “key suspect in the rebellion.”

President Yoon’s suspension followed a controversial martial law decree earlier this month. Yoon claimed the move was necessary to resolve political deadlock and investigate election security. However, parliament overturned the decree, and Yoon was impeached after members of his own party supported the motion.

The crisis has rattled South Korea’s economy, with the won falling to its lowest level since 2009 amid uncertainty. If Han is impeached, the finance minister will assume the acting presidency, further complicating the political landscape in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.