South Korea’s constitutional court has dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as the country’s acting president. Han assumed the role of acting leader last December when President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from duties and impeached by parliament after attempting to declare martial law. However, Han only lasted two weeks in power before lawmakers voted to impeach him as well. Since then, South Korea has been led by deputy prime minister Choi Sang-mok. South Korea has experienced political chaos since Yoon’s botched attempt to impose martial law.

Shortly after assuming the role of acting president, Han blocked the appointment of new judges to the constitutional court – something the opposition had hoped would improve the odds of Yoon getting impeached. As a result, the opposition voted to impeach Han. However, on Monday, the judges ruled seven to one to strike down the impeachment.

“I thank the constitutional court for its wise decision,” said Han. “I will work to bring the government to order.” South Korea is awaiting another upcoming decision by the same court – on President Yoon’s impeachment.

Lawmakers voted to impeach Yoon on 14 December, but it is ultimately up to the constitutional court to decide. If the court votes to uphold the impeachment, Yoon would be immediately removed from office and South Korea must hold a presidential election within 60 days. If it dismisses the impeachment, Yoon would return to his duties immediately. In recent weeks, Seoul has seen swelling protests from both Yoon’s supporters and opponents.

Political analyst Leif-Eric Easley said the dismissal of Han’s impeachment shows that the constitutional court “wants to appear impartial, upholding the law and encouraging national stability during a messy political transition”. It “serves to admonish progressive parties for their overzealousness in impeaching government officials”, said Dr Easley. He noted that opposition lawmakers have filed several impeachment motions, and the court has dismissed the nine cases it has ruled on so far. Reinstating Han can also be seen as political theatre setting up the more consequential ruling on Yoon’s impeachment. Mostly siding with conservatives on Han’s case can be seen as a play for unity and legitimacy” when the court votes on Yoon’s fate in coming days.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c625jkyrx6do