South Korea’s political crisis deepened Friday as parliament voted to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo, just two weeks after impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law.
The National Assembly passed Han’s impeachment with 192-0 votes amid chaotic scenes as ruling party lawmakers boycotted the vote and protested the proceedings. The impeachment means both of South Korea’s top leaders are now suspended pending Constitutional Court reviews.
“I respect the decision of the National Assembly,” Han said Friday. “I will suspend my duties to not add to the chaos.”
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok assumed leadership and immediately ordered increased military readiness to prevent North Korean provocations amid the uncertainty.
The crisis began December 3 when Yoon declared martial law, prompting lawmakers to storm barricades to enter parliament and vote to override his decree. Opposition lawmakers later impeached Yoon, leading to Han’s appointment as acting president.
Han’s impeachment stemmed from his refusal to approve three new Constitutional Court justices nominated by parliament. The court, currently operating with six of nine seats filled, requires six votes to remove Yoon from office.
“The opposition had hoped the three additional nominees would help improve the odds of Yoon getting impeached,” said parliamentary sources, noting a single rejection would allow Yoon to retain office.
The political turmoil has rattled markets, with the Korean won falling to its lowest level against the dollar since the 2008 financial crisis. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun has been indicted for his role in Yoon’s martial law declaration, while Yoon himself has defied summons from investigating authorities.
The Constitutional Court has 180 days to rule on both impeachments. Han will remain suspended until then, marking the first time an acting president has been impeached since South Korea’s democratization.
“I will wait for the Constitutional Court’s decision,” Han said, as the country faces an unprecedented leadership vacuum with both its president and acting president impeached simultaneously.