In an extraordinary twist to South Korea’s escalating political crisis, Acting President Han Duck-soo has been impeached just days after stepping in to replace the suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. The nation is now grappling with an unprecedented leadership vacuum, leaving citizens and the international community in shock.
On December 27, South Korea’s National Assembly voted 192-108 to oust Han, accusing him of obstructing justice by refusing to appoint crucial judges to the Constitutional Court. The appointments were vital for ruling on the impeachment of his predecessor, Yoon, who was suspended earlier this month after a controversial declaration of martial law that backfired spectacularly.
With Han removed, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has become the third acting leader in less than two weeks—a revolving door of presidents that has thrown the nation’s political stability into chaos. Critics have slammed the political elite for turning South Korea into a “leadership circus,” with one Seoul resident saying, “We’re watching our democracy fall apart in real-time.”
The Democratic Party, which dominates the Assembly, spearheaded Han’s impeachment, citing his refusal to cooperate with the investigation into Yoon’s actions. “This is not just about one person—it’s about safeguarding our democratic institutions,” said a party spokesperson. However, the opposition has blasted the move as a “power grab,” deepening the divide in the country’s already fractured political landscape.
The fallout has been swift and severe. The South Korean won has plunged to its weakest value in 15 years, rattling financial markets and sparking fears of a looming economic crisis. Protesters have taken to the streets in droves, waving banners that read “Enough is Enough!” and calling for an end to the political chaos.
Meanwhile, international allies are watching with growing concern. The U.S. State Department has urged South Korea to resolve its leadership crisis quickly, warning that the instability could undermine the region’s security and economic progress.
The Constitutional Court is now under immense pressure to rule on the impeachments of both Yoon and Han. With only six sitting justices due to the blocked appointments, every decision hangs by a thread. If Yoon’s removal is upheld, South Korea will be forced to hold a snap presidential election within 60 days—a prospect that could further deepen the political divide.
For now, South Korea finds itself in uncharted territory, with its leadership in disarray and its democracy under scrutiny. As one political analyst put it, “This is a make-or-break moment for South Korea. The world is watching, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
