Judges nullify Han Duck-soo’s impeachment, indicating another development in the ongoing saga initiated by Yoon Suk-yeol’s imposition of martial law.
The court’s ruling is in favor of Han Duck-soo, granting him reinstatement to his previous status as acting president, while the eight justices will separately address the case of Yoon, who was suspended after briefly enacting martial law on December 3.
A majority of the judges concluded that there was not sufficient justification to impeach Han, and although the impeachment motion was valid, it failed to reach the necessary two-thirds majority in the legislature to be legitimate.
Following his appointment as acting president after Yoon’s impeachment on December 14, Han was later suspended due to his resistance to appoint additional justices to the Constitutional Court.
Addressing the public after the court’s decision, Han expressed gratitude and vowed to prioritize managing the geopolitical challenges facing the nation.
“I believe that all citizens are clearly speaking out against the highly polarised political sphere. I think there is no place for division now. Our country’s priority is to move forward,” Han said.
The decision has yet to be made regarding the continuation of Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment and the restoration of his presidential authority.
The court’s consideration of Yoon’s fate began in mid-December, and a decision is expected in the coming days.
To permanently remove Yoon from office, a minimum of six out of eight justices must uphold his impeachment.
Should Yon be stripped of the presidency, an election to select his successor must take place within 60 days.
Yoon also faces criminal impeachment, including charges of insurrection, related to his short-lived imposition of martial law, potentially leading to a life imprisonment or the death penalty if found guilty.
