In a period of heightened political turbulence, South Korea faces potential upheaval under President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose tenure is being challenged by the opposition led by the Democratic Party. After a decision to impose martial law, the Democratic Party, which controls the National Assembly, has stated it will initiate impeachment proceedings against President Yoon should he refuse to step down. Such a scenario would prompt Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to assume presidential responsibilities in the interim.
Political Crisis in South Korea: Impeachment Threat Looms Over President Yoon
Political Crisis in South Korea: Impeachment Threat Looms Over President Yoon
As tensions escalate, South Korea's opposition plans to invoke impeachment if President Yoon Suk Yeol does not resign following controversial martial law.
President Yoon, representing the conservative People Power Party, entered office after a narrowly won election in 2022. He appointed Han Duck-soo as prime minister, marking a significant return for Han, who previously held the position under liberal President Roh Moo-hyun. Han's extensive background includes decades of service in civil administration, trade, and as South Korea's ambassador to the United States. His educational achievements include a doctorate in economics from Harvard University.
Since taking office, President Yoon has engaged in a contentious battle against the opposition, which has recently gained momentum following significant victories in parliamentary elections. These developments leave Yoon in a precarious position, potentially undermined as a 'lame duck' leader. The Democratic Party's threat of impeachment is a severe response to his governance, and under the Constitution, if at least two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly votes for impeachment, the process will move forward.
If impeachment proceedings are invoked, Prime Minister Han would temporarily step into the role of president until the matter is resolved. The timeframe of his interim presidency remains uncertain. Should the Assembly impeach Yoon, the decision would be scrutinized by the Constitutional Court, which would ultimately determine the validity of the impeachment and, consequently, Yoon's removal from office. If Yoon resigns or is impeached, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in South Korea's political landscape.
Since taking office, President Yoon has engaged in a contentious battle against the opposition, which has recently gained momentum following significant victories in parliamentary elections. These developments leave Yoon in a precarious position, potentially undermined as a 'lame duck' leader. The Democratic Party's threat of impeachment is a severe response to his governance, and under the Constitution, if at least two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly votes for impeachment, the process will move forward.
If impeachment proceedings are invoked, Prime Minister Han would temporarily step into the role of president until the matter is resolved. The timeframe of his interim presidency remains uncertain. Should the Assembly impeach Yoon, the decision would be scrutinized by the Constitutional Court, which would ultimately determine the validity of the impeachment and, consequently, Yoon's removal from office. If Yoon resigns or is impeached, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in South Korea's political landscape.
