South Korea's Constitutional Court on Monday rejected the impeachment motion against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who will resume as interim president as the country awaits the fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is also under an impeachment procedure, Yonhap agency reported.
The impeachment motion against Han was rejected by a vote of five to one from the court's eight judges, according to Yonhap.
Han had been suspended by members of parliament in December, following a brief initial interim period.
Successive impeachment motions
South Korea has been engulfed in political chaos since President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unexpected declaration of martial law and deployment of the military in Parliament on the night of 3 to 4 December.
Despite the President's actions, enough members of parliament managed to gather and vote unanimously to return to civilian rule, compelling Yoon to comply with the Constitution.
On December 14, members of parliament voted for a first impeachment motion against Yoon, leading to his suspension.
On December 27, a second motion was filed against his interim successor, Han Duck-soo, accusing him of obstructing the procedures against the president.
Court ruling expected soon on President's impeachment
Until Monday’s decision by the Constitutional Court, the interim presidency was held by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok.
Experts predict a verdict from the Constitutional Court regarding Yoon in the coming days, although no precise date has been announced. If the court confirms his impeachment, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. Otherwise, Yoon will be reinstated.
Yoon Suk Yeol is also facing criminal charges for “insurrection” following his brief imposition of martial law. He was arrested in early January, detained, and then released on 8 March due to procedural issues.
In South Korea, insurrection is a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even death.
