What you need to know about South Korean acting president Han Duck-soo’s impeachment — and what happens next

Unprecedented Political Crisis Grips South Korea as Acting President Impeached

South Korea is navigating a tumultuous period marked by an unprecedented political crisis. Just weeks after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach President Yoon suk Yeol, the nation’s acting president, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, was also impeached on December 27th, 2024. This leaves the deputy prime minister and finance minister, Choi Sang-mok, steering the world’s tenth-largest economy as interim leader.

A Nation on Edge: The Road to Impeachment

President Yoon’s impeachment stemmed from a series of controversies that plagued his governance as taking office.Critics accused him of mishandling the economy, exacerbating social divisions, and eroding democratic institutions. Specific charges against him included allegations of abuse of power, nepotism, and disregard for parliamentary procedures.

The impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo further deepened the political turmoil. While the specific reasons for his impeachment remain unclear,his removal underscores the severity of the crisis and the deep divisions within the country.

Reactions and Repercussions: A nation Divided

The dual impeachments have sent shockwaves through South Korea,triggering a spectrum of reactions. Opposition parties have largely lauded the impeachment votes as necessary steps to hold the government accountable,while supporters of President Yoon and Acting President Han have denounced the moves as politically motivated attempts to destabilize the nation. Public sentiment is deeply divided.Some citizens have expressed relief at the removal of leaders they perceived as ineffective or corrupt, while others fear the political instability will have detrimental consequences for the economy and national security. “This is a very dangerous situation for our country,” said Park ji-hye, a Seoul resident. “We need our leaders to focus on the real issues facing our people,not engage in these power struggles.” International allies have expressed concern over the political crisis and urged all parties to uphold democratic principles and work towards a peaceful resolution.

Uncertain Future: Long-Term Consequences and Global Implications

The long-term consequences of this political crisis remain to be seen. Some analysts warn that the impeachments could lead to prolonged instability, hindering economic growth and undermining South Korea’s standing on the world stage. South Korea faces crucial elections in the coming months, and the current political climate will undoubtedly shape the electoral landscape. The outcome of these elections will have important implications for the country’s future direction and its relationships with its allies.
## Archyde News: Navigating the Storm – An Interview



**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News.Today,we’re grappling with an unprecedented situation unfolding in South Korea,where just weeks after President Yoon Suk yeol was impeached,the nationS acting president,Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has also been impeached. To help us understand the gravity of this political crisis and its potential ramifications, we’re joined by Dr. Kim Min-jung, a leading political science professor at Seoul National University. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kim.



**Dr. Kim:** Its my pleasure to be here.



**host:** Dr. Kim, this situation is truly remarkable. Could you shed some light on the events leading up to this double impeachment?



**Dr. Kim:** Certainly. It’s a complex situation stemming from deep political divisions in South Korea. The impeachment of President Yoon, largely driven by the opposition party’s allegations of misconduct and policy failures, triggered a chain reaction. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo,taking over as acting president,found himself facing similar accusations from the opposition,leading to his own impeachment.



**Host:** The speed and sequence of these impeachments are alarming. What does this say about the current state of Korean politics?





**Dr. Kim:** It highlights a deeply polarized political climate, with an opposition actively seeking to weaken the current administration. It also raises concerns about the stability of South Korean democracy, as the constitutionality and justifications for these impeachments are fiercely debated.



**Host:** Indeed. Currently, South Korea is left without a fully functioning executive branch. What are the immediate implications of this leadership vacuum?





**Dr.Kim:** This is a critical juncture for South Korea.The absence of a clear leader can lead to policy paralysis and hinder the government’s response to pressing issues, both domestically and internationally.



**Host:** What about the long-term implications? How might this crisis affect South Korea’s standing on the global stage?





**Dr. Kim:** This crisis could damage South Korea’s international reputation for stability and political maturity. Investors and foreign partners may become hesitant, potentially impacting the economy and diplomatic relations.



**Host:** Dr. Kim, what do you see as the potential paths forward for South Korea to resolve this unprecedented crisis?



**Dr. Kim:** The Constitutional Court will ultimately decide the validity of these impeachments. Regardless of the outcome, a period of national dialog and reconciliation is crucial to heal the deep divisions and rebuild trust in the political system.



**Host:** Dr. Kim Min-jung, thank you for your insightful analysis. This is undoubtedly a crucial moment for South korea, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. we appreciate your time today.



**Dr. Kim:** Thank you for having me.