South Korea’s opposition lawmakers filed a motion to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, less than two weeks after impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol. This follows Han’s refusal to appoint constitutional court judges nominated by the Democratic Party (DP).
“Han has revealed himself as an acting insurrectionist, not an acting president,” said DP’s floor leader Park Chan-dae. The opposition accused Han of aiding Yoon’s martial law attempt on 3 Dec. Han apologized for failing to block it.
Han vetoed several opposition-led bills, including one proposing a special investigation into Yoon’s martial law declaration. The impeachment motion is expected to be voted on within 24 to 72 hours. For it to succeed, 151 out of 300 MPs must vote for it. The DP holds 170 seats, and the opposition bloc holds 192 seats.
Opposition parties hoped Han would not obstruct bills while acting as caretaker president. Instead, he deepened political strife. On Tuesday, Han concluded a cabinet meeting without reviewing two opposition-sponsored bills for special counsel investigations into the martial law declaration and corruption allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee. He said he did not put them on the agenda to give parties more time to compromise.
Park Chan-dae accused Han of “buying time and prolonging the insurrection.” He warned Han could go down in history as a disgraceful figure or a public servant faithfully carrying out public orders. On Thursday, Han refused to appoint three judges nominated by the opposition-dominated National Assembly to the constitutional court, which is deliberating Yoon’s impeachment, unless rival parties reach a consensus.
Park said Han is “neither qualified nor willing to defend the constitution” and announced the opposition would “immediately” table the impeachment bill. Han’s ruling People Power Party said the opposition’s threats interfered with Han’s “legitimate exercise of authority.” A senior official at the prime minister’s office called the threats “extremely regrettable.”
Han became caretaker president after Yoon was ousted earlier this month. If lawmakers impeach Han, finance minister Choi Sang-mok will be next in line. This development comes as Seoul Constitutional Court deliberates on permanently barring Yoon from office. The court’s first public hearing is expected later this week.
It is unclear if Yoon will testify during the hearings, but protesters vowed to continue calling for his removal. Yoon is also under investigation for alleged insurrection over his failed martial law attempt. He has refused several summons and investigators warned they may issue an arrest warrant if he remains unresponsive. Several senior officials, including former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, former interior minister Lee Sang-min, and army chief Park An-su, are also being investigated.
