Exiled Prime Minister Returns to Power, Marking a New Political Era in South Korea – Expectations for Political Stability

Exiled Prime Minister Returns to Power, Marking a New Political Era in South Korea – Expectations for Political Stability

The Constitutional Court of South Korea on Monday overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him to power. According to the court's ruling, he will continue to serve as the country's second-highest official. However, a separate impeachment process is still ongoing, which has been filed against President Yoon Suk-yeol. This impeachment was initiated at the end of December following President Yoon's declaration of Martial Law.

Han Duck-soo was accused of supporting President Yoon's Martial Law declaration and obstructing the full restoration of the Constitutional Court's membership. However, the court did not consider the charges against him as illegal or serious and ruled that the impeachment proposal was invalid due to insufficient quorum. Seven of the court's judges ruled in favor of Han Duck-soo, while one judge supported his impeachment.

Meanwhile, the ruling on the petition against President Yoon Suk-yeol has not yet been issued. South Korean political analysts have indicated that the court's ruling in Han Duck-soo's case will not affect the ruling on Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment. However, the decision may generate hope among Yoon's supporters and increase political pressure on the opposition.

South Korea's current political situation is highly tense, with massive protests between the supporters and opposition. The Martial Law declaration, which lasted only six hours, was the reason for the impeachment of President Yoon at the time. In addition, charges of rebellion have also been filed against Yoon, which could carry the penalties of death or life imprisonment.

Now, the Constitutional Court's upcoming ruling will have significant implications for Yoon's future and the political stability of the country.