CITIZENS NEWS

South Korea impeaches second leader in a month as political crisis deepens

By isabelle // 2025-01-03

• South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo was impeached, deepening political turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension.
• Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is now interim leader amid economic instability and a constitutional crisis.
• Yoon’s impeachment trial began, with the Constitutional Court deciding his fate within 180 days.
• Economic fallout includes the won hitting its lowest level since 2009, raising fears of a financial crisis.
• An arrest warrant was issued for Yoon over allegations of rebellion tied to his martial law decree.

South Korea finds itself in the throes of unprecedented political turmoil as acting President Han Duck-soo was impeached by the National Assembly on Friday, marking the second impeachment of a South Korean leader this month. The move comes just weeks after President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from office over his controversial and short-lived declaration of martial law. With Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok now stepping in as acting president, the nation faces deepening uncertainty, economic instability and a constitutional crisis that threatens to unravel decades of democratic progress. The impeachment of Han Duck-soo, who had assumed the role of acting president following Yoon’s suspension on December 14, was driven by his refusal to appoint three justices to fill vacancies on the Constitutional Court. Opposition lawmakers argued that Han’s inaction was an attempt to obstruct the court’s review of Yoon’s impeachment case, which could determine whether Yoon is permanently removed from office. The motion to impeach Han passed with 192 votes in favor, while the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote, calling it an abuse of power and “tyranny” by the opposition-led parliament. The impeachment of Han, a figure meant to stabilize the country after Yoon’s suspension, has only deepened the political crisis. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, now the interim leader, has vowed to stabilize state affairs, but his tenure is already under threat. With the opposition controlling parliament, Choi could face a similar fate if he clashes with lawmakers. Meanwhile, Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial is underway, with the Constitutional Court holding its first hearing on Friday. The court has 180 days to decide whether to reinstate Yoon or remove him permanently, which would trigger a new presidential election within 60 days. Yoon’s impeachment stems from his December 3 declaration of martial law, which he claimed was necessary to root out “anti-state forces” and overcome political deadlock. However, the decree was swiftly rescinded after 190 lawmakers defied military and police cordons to vote against it.

Economic fallout and global concerns

The political instability has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s economy, with the won plummeting to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar since March 2009. Analysts warn that the ongoing turmoil could lead to economic troubles reminiscent of the devastating financial crisis of the late 1990s. The uncertainty has also alarmed South Korea’s allies, particularly the United States and Europe, who viewed Yoon as a key partner in countering China, Russia, and North Korea. Adding to the chaos, an arrest warrant has been issued for Yoon Suk Yeol as part of an investigation into whether his martial law decree amounted to rebellion. Yoon, who has defied multiple summons and blocked searches of his offices, faces charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. While he retains immunity from criminal prosecution as president, such protections do not extend to allegations of treason or insurrection.

A democracy at risk

The events of the past month have plunged South Korea into its gravest political crisis since 1987, when mass protests forced the ruling party to accept democratic reforms. The impeachment of both Yoon and Han, coupled with the ongoing constitutional and legal battles, has left the nation in a state of paralysis. The opposition Democratic Party, which controls parliament, has accused Yoon and his allies of attempting to undermine democracy with the martial law decree. Meanwhile, Yoon’s supporters argue that the opposition is exploiting its majority to push through impeachments and consolidate power. As the Constitutional Court deliberates on the fates of Yoon and Han, South Korea’s future hangs in the balance. The court’s decisions will not only determine the country’s leadership but also test the resilience of its democratic institutions. For now, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok faces the daunting task of steering the nation through this crisis. But with political gridlock, economic instability and public anxiety at an all-time high, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. Sources for this article include: Reuters.com BBC.com APNews.com

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