Vanguard Explains Why South Korea's Democratic Party Filed Impeachment Motion Against the Acting President

South Korea’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil as the opposition Democratic Party (DP) filed an impeachment motion against acting president Han Duck-soo. According to Vanguard, DP filed the impeachment motion against Han Duck-soo because he refused to approve the appointment of three more judges to fill the 9-member bench. This move comes amidst an escalating conflict over the composition of the Constitutional Court, which is pivotal in deciding the fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law on December 3 and was subsequently suspended from his duties.

The political crisis in South Korea intensified when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law earlier this month, citing threats to national security. This dramatic move led to widespread controversy and was quickly met with resistance from the parliament, which voted to suspend Yoon from his presidential duties on December 14. However, for this suspension to be finalized, a ruling from the Constitutional Court is necessary.


The Constitutional Court, currently operating with only six judges instead of the full nine, is in a state of deadlock. According to South Korean law, a minimum of six judges is required to make decisions, but a single dissenting vote can reinstate President Yoon. The opposition DP is pushing for the appointment of three more judges to complete the nine-member bench, but acting president Han Duck-soo has refused to approve the nominations without a consensus between the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the DP.


The refusal of Han Duck-soo to appoint the additional judges has prompted the DP to file an impeachment motion against him. MP Park Sung-joon announced the filing of the motion, which is set to be reported to the plenary session and voted on the following day. The DP accuses Han of lacking the will or qualification to uphold the constitution, citing his refusal to formalize the judges' appointments and promulgate special investigation bills.

Han Duck-soo has defended his stance by emphasizing the constitutional principle of avoiding the unilateral exercise of significant presidential powers, including the appointment of constitutional judges. He has insisted on a consensus between the ruling and opposition parties to ensure that the appointments reflect the will of the people.

On the other hand, the DP argues that Han’s actions are obstructing justice and failing to uphold his duties as acting president. They contend that his refusal to appoint the judges and enact the special investigation bills, which aim to probe President Yoon’s martial law declaration and graft allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee, is a violation of his constitutional responsibilities.

If the impeachment motion against Han Duck-soo passes, it would be an unprecedented event in South Korean history, marking the first time an acting president has been impeached. In such a scenario, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok would step in as the acting president. The impeachment of Han would further destabilize South Korea’s political environment, which has already been shaken by the recent suspension of President Yoon.


In addition to the political crisis, President Yoon faces serious legal challenges. He has been ordered to appear for questioning on charges of insurrection related to his martial law declaration. These charges carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. Yoon’s repeated refusals to comply with summonses have only intensified the situation, with a new order issued for him to appear on December 29.


The current crisis reflects broader issues within South Korea’s political and legal systems. The impeachment and potential removal of two heads of state within such a short period would highlight the deep divisions and contentious nature of South Korean politics. Historical precedents, such as the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye in 2016, underscore the significant impact that such political upheavals can have on the country’s stability and governance.

South Korea’s ongoing political crisis, marked by the impeachment motion against acting president Han Duck-soo and the suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s legal battles, represents a critical juncture for the nation. The outcome of these events will have profound implications for South Korea’s democratic institutions, legal system, and overall political stability. As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, recognizing that the decisions made in the coming days will shape the future of South Korea’s political landscape.