The Constitutional Court in South Korea has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president. This decision follows the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol by parliament for his declaration of martial law in December, which caused significant political unrest in the country. Yoon’s decree, intended to protect the nation from “anti-state” activities by the opposition Democratic Party, ignited a substantial political crisis.

The ruling by the court asserts that Han was immediately restored to his position as acting president, which he assumed after Yoon’s impeachment. This ruling is seen as a rebuke to parliament for its unprecedented, successive impeachments.

In response to the court’s decision, Prime Minister Han expressed gratitude and called for an end to the political polarization, emphasizing the need for the country to move forward together. The Presidential Office in a statement also highlighted the misuse of parliamentary powers in the impeachment process.

The Constitutional Court has not yet issued its final ruling on President Yoon’s impeachment. If upheld, the country would proceed to elect a new president; otherwise, Yoon will be reinstated. Additionally, Yoon faces criminal charges of rebellion over his martial law decree, potentially facing severe penalties.

The declaration of martial law, even if short-lived, has deeply impacted South Korea, a nation with a history of military rule from the 1960s to the 1980s. The declaration lasted only six hours after lawmakers blocked the move, leading to confrontations between police and military forces trying to keep them out of parliament and subsequent resistance from Yoon to arrest, supported by his followers.

This year, South Korea has witnessed massive protests by both supporters of Yoon and the opposition, marking a tumultuous period in the nation’s political landscape.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/south-korean-court-dismisses-impeachment-of-pm-han-duck-soo/a-72014270?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf