South Korea’s Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment on Monday and reinstated him as acting president. After lawmakers suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol for declaring martial law in December 2023, Han assumed the role.
The court’s decision marks the latest development in South Korea’s ongoing political crisis, which began when Yoon attempted to subvert civilian rule. Lawmakers defied armed soldiers and voted down Yoon’s December 3 martial law declaration. They then impeached Yoon, prompting Han to step in as acting president. However, lawmakers impeached Han weeks later, accusing him of involvement in the martial law debacle and disputes over judicial appointments.
In a 5-to-1 ruling, the court rejected Han’s impeachment, stating that his actions did not betray public trust. Two judges argued that lawmakers lacked the required supermajority to impeach him. The decision took effect immediately and is final.
South Korea's Constitutional Court strikes down impeachment of PM Han Duck-soo https://t.co/2jFUkoHwBG pic.twitter.com/HBzcD68qFd
— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) March 24, 2025Han resumed his duties on Monday and thanked the court for its “wise decision.” He called for unity, saying, “I believe that all citizens are clearly speaking out against the highly polarized political sphere. Our country’s priority is to move forward.”
Yoon’s Impeachment Ruling Awaited
The court’s decision comes as South Korea awaits a ruling on President Yoon’s impeachment. Experts predicted a mid-March verdict, but the court delayed its decision, making Yoon’s case the longest deliberation in history.
Court in South Korea overturns impeachment of Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo https://t.co/7tFn17E93Z
— TIME (@TIME) March 24, 2025Opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung urged the court to act swiftly, stating, “The entire nation is losing sleep over Yoon Suk Yeol’s illegal military coup.” He warned that the prolonged crisis is damaging South Korea’s economy and international reputation.
Read: South Korean President Yoon Arrested Amid Insurrection Charges
South Korea must hold new elections within 60 days if the court upholds Yoon’s impeachment. However, legal experts clarified that the ruling on Han does not directly affect Yoon’s case.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
Yoon, who faces insurrection charges, became the first sitting South Korean president to stand trial in a criminal case. Authorities arrested him in January but released him in early March on procedural grounds, energizing his supporters. Hundreds of South Koreans recently rallied for and against Yoon, reflecting the nation’s deep divisions.
Lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party welcomed Han’s reinstatement. He criticized the opposition, saying they should apologize for “paralyzing state affairs for 87 days” with a politically motivated impeachment.
