South Korea's Political Turmoil Deepens as Impeachment Proceedings Target Acting President

South Korea's Political Turmoil Deepens with Impeachment Proceedings Against Acting President

South Korea's political landscape is facing further turmoil with the main opposition Democratic Party announcing its intention to immediately launch impeachment proceedings against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is currently serving as acting president following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The decision to pursue impeachment against Han stems from his refusal to promulgate two bills passed by the National Assembly. These bills aimed to appoint special counsels to investigate charges of treason against the impeached president and to probe corruption scandals involving his wife, Kim Keon-hee.

The Democratic Party had previously warned that if Han failed to promulgate the bills by December 24th, they would initiate impeachment proceedings. With Han's refusal, the party is now moving forward with its threat.

This development adds another layer to the ongoing political crisis in South Korea. President Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14th following his controversial declaration of emergency martial law on December 3rd. The impeachment motion is currently being reviewed by the constitutional court, which has up to 180 days to make a decision. During this period, Yoon's presidential powers are suspended.

Adding to the political turmoil are the ongoing scandals involving Kim Keon-hee. She is suspected of involvement in stock price manipulation, interference in candidate nominations, and even public opinion manipulation during the 2022 presidential election.

With the impeachment proceedings against Han Duck-soo, South Korea's political landscape remains uncertain. The outcome of the constitutional court's review of Yoon's impeachment and the ongoing investigations into Kim Keon-hee's alleged wrongdoings will likely have significant implications for the country's future.