South Korea’s Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Monday, overturning his impeachment and restoring him to his role as acting president.
The decision comes nearly three months after his suspension, adding another chapter to the country’s ongoing political turmoil.
The court ruling
Han took over as acting leader after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached in December over his controversial declaration of martial law.
However, Han himself was impeached on December 27, after clashing with the opposition-led parliament over judicial appointments.
On Monday, the Constitutional Court ruled 7-1 to strike down the impeachment, citing a lack of legal grounds to justify his removal.
Five justices agreed that the impeachment motion was valid, but said Han did not violate the constitution or any laws.
Two justices ruled that the impeachment itself was invalid, as it failed to pass with a two-thirds majority in parliament.
One justice voted to uphold the impeachment.
Following the ruling, Han immediately resumed his duties as acting president.
“I am grateful for the wise decision made by the Constitutional Court,” Han said in a televised statement, thanking the cabinet for its work during his suspension.
He pledged to focus on South Korea’s economic stability and geopolitical challenges, emphasizing the need for a steady leadership amid global uncertainties.
South Korea’s political crisis
South Korea has been grappling with its most severe political crisis in decades, following Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3.
The move sparked widespread opposition, leading to a parliamentary vote overturning the measure within six hours.
Amid the turmoil, multiple top officials have faced impeachments, resignations, and criminal charges.
During Han’s suspension, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok stepped in as acting president while both Yoon and Han’s cases were under review by the Constitutional Court.
Han’s impeachment was based on accusations that he failed to stop Yoon from declaring martial law, as well as his refusal to appoint additional justices to the Constitutional Court and his opposition to special counsel bills targeting Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon Hee. Han has denied all wrongdoing.
During his time as acting president, Choi made some of the appointments to the court.
“I had no role in the martial law episode,” Han said during a February 19 hearing, urging the court to dismiss the charges.
With Han reinstated, attention now turns to the Constitutional Court’s upcoming ruling on Yoon’s impeachment, expected within days.
Yoon also faces a separate criminal trial on charges of leading an insurrection through his martial law declaration. If the court upholds his impeachment, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.
Yoon’s martial law decision had alarmed South Korea’s allies, including the United States, where former President Joe Biden saw him as a key partner in countering China and North Korea.
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