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South Korea's Constitutional Court Reinstates Han Duck-soo as Acting President
South Korea’s Constitutional Court reinstates Han Duck-soo as acting president, overturning his impeachment. The political crisis deepens as the nation awaits a ruling on President Yoon’s fate.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-24
South Korea's Constitutional Court Reinstates Han Duck-soo as Acting President

South Korea’s Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as the country’s acting president, overturning his impeachment in a 7-1 decision. The ruling comes amid one of South Korea’s most turbulent political periods in decades, triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial imposition of martial law in December.

Han, who had been suspended since December 27 after clashing with the opposition-led parliament, immediately resumed his duties, pledging to stabilize the government and protect South Korea’s economic interests in the ongoing U.S. "trade war."

"I believe the people are making it very clear, in one voice, that the extreme confrontation in politics must stop," Han said in a televised address. "As acting president, I will do my best to maintain stable state administration and safeguard national interests in the trade war."

A Deepening Political Crisis

Han, 75, is a seasoned political figure who has served under five different presidents from both conservative and liberal parties. Despite his broad political experience, opposition lawmakers accused him of failing to prevent Yoon’s martial law declaration. However, Han denied the allegations, arguing that his role was limited in the decision-making process.

South Korea remains in political turmoil as the Constitutional Court now turns its attention to the fate of President Yoon, who was impeached over his martial law decree. If the court removes him from office, a presidential election must be held within 60 days.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party and a frontrunner in potential elections, has urged the court to act swiftly. “The court’s continued delay in ruling is fueling concern and conflict,” he said.

Impact on South Korea’s Economy and International Relations

The political instability comes at a critical time for South Korea’s economy. As one of the world’s largest exporters, the country faces economic uncertainty due to ongoing trade tensions with the United States. The Biden administration had seen Yoon as a key partner in countering China and North Korea, and Washington has closely monitored the unfolding crisis.

Under former President Donald Trump, the U.S. imposed tariffs on South Korean steel and aluminum, and new reciprocal tariffs are expected next month. Trump has also criticized South Korea for its high tariffs on U.S. goods. Han vowed to prioritize economic stability amid these growing trade disputes.

The Road Ahead

South Korea has witnessed mass protests in recent months, with large crowds both supporting Yoon and calling for his removal. The country remains divided as it awaits the Constitutional Court’s decision on whether Yoon will be permanently removed from office.

Legal experts suggest that the court is likely to uphold the impeachment. “The justices will want to show they can be united to make a bold decision to stop deepening national divisions,” said Lim Ji-bong, a law professor at Sogang University.

The political upheaval began when Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law on December 3, triggering immediate backlash. Lawmakers defied a security cordon around parliament to vote against the declaration, leading to its repeal just six hours later. However, the move escalated tensions, ultimately resulting in Yoon’s impeachment and a wave of resignations and criminal investigations.

As the Constitutional Court deliberates Yoon’s future, South Korea stands at a crossroads, with its political and economic stability hanging in the balance.
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