South Korea finds itself in political turmoil as the fate of Acting President Han Duck-soo hangs in the balance. The opposition Democratic Party has threatened to impeach Han if he fails to proclaim a law initiating a special counsel investigation into the suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s alleged attempt to impose martial law. Prime Minister Han assumed the role of acting president after Yoon’s impeachment on December 14, which is now under review by the Constitutional Court to determine whether to permanently remove him from office.
The controversy centers on allegations of insurrection against the conservative Yoon and accusations against his wife involving a luxury bag scandal and other improprieties. Earlier this month, the opposition, with a parliamentary majority, passed a bill to appoint a special counsel to investigate these charges. The Democratic Party has accused Han of aiding Yoon’s alleged martial law attempt and filed a police complaint against him. They have set a deadline of Tuesday for Han to promulgate the legislation, warning of immediate impeachment proceedings if he fails to comply.
Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae accused Han of acting as a proxy for Yoon and undermining the constitution by delaying the investigation. “The delays show that the prime minister has no intention of complying with the constitution, and it is tantamount to admitting that he is acting as a proxy for the insurgent,” Park said. He also criticized Yoon for obstructing the Constitutional Court trial by refusing to accept court documents. “Any delay in the investigation and impeachment trials is an extension of the insurrection and an act of plotting a second one,” Park added.
Han, a seasoned technocrat with three decades of experience under both conservative and liberal presidents, was appointed prime minister by Yoon in 2022. While his office has not commented on the current crisis, Han previously stated that he tried to block Yoon’s martial law declaration but apologized for failing to do so.
The situation has escalated further as police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials attempt to question Yoon. Despite efforts to raid his office twice, they were denied entry by the presidential security service. Investigators have requested evidence preservation, including access to a secure phone server.
The unfolding drama highlights the deep divisions within South Korea’s political landscape, with the outcome of Yoon’s impeachment and Han’s fate likely to shape the nation’s future governance.
