South Korea in Political Turmoil: Interim President Impeached Weeks After Predecessor
Seoul – In a stunning turn of events, South KoreaS parliament voted to impeach the nation’s interim president, Han Duck-soo, just weeks after his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, was also impeached. The move plunges the country into deeper political uncertainty,marking the first time South Korea has impeached an interim leader. Han, who had assumed the role of acting president following Yoon’s impeachment on December 3rd for declaring martial law, was targeted by opposition lawmakers who accused him of obstructing justice. They alleged that Han intentionally delayed a special inquiry into the events surrounding the martial law declaration and refused to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court.“Today our Democratic Party impeached Prime Minister han Duck-soo in accordance with the people’s orders,” declared Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party.
## South Korea’s Political Crisis Deepens: An Interview
**Archyde Editor:** Dr.Lee, we’ve witnessed a shocking turn of events in South Korea with the impeachment of acting President Han Duck-soo.This follows the impeachment of his predecessor,Yoon Suk Yeol,just weeks prior. How has your party, the Democratic Party, justified this unprecedented succession of impeachments?
**Dr. Lee:** [[1](https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20241226-south-korea-s-opposition-moves-to-impeach-acting-president-han)]As leader of the Democratic Party, we believe that thes impeachment votes were necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect the democratic principles of our nation. We are committed to serving the peopel and believe these actions were fully justified. Acting President han obstructed justice by intentionally delaying a crucial inquiry into the events surrounding the martial law declaration and refused to appoint Constitutional Court judges. Our motion clearly stated that these actions violate the public trust and disregard the judicial process.
**Archyde Editor:** The impeachment process was certainly fraught with tension and confusion, with some lawmakers questioning the required vote threshold. What are your reflections on the parliamentary proceedings?
**Dr. Lee:** The parliamentary debate was undoubtedly passionate, reflecting the gravity of the situation. The opposition firmly believes that a simple majority is sufficient for impeachment, and House Speaker Woo Won-shik ultimately confirmed this.
**Archyde Editor:** Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has now assumed the role of interim president.How do you foresee this political crisis impacting South Korea’s governance and stability in the coming months?
**Dr.Lee:** this rapid succession of impeachments undoubtedly signifies a period of meaningful political turmoil. We face a challenging road ahead, and it is imperative that all parties prioritize national stability and work towards a swift resolution that restores faith in our democratic institutions.
**Archyde Editor:** With this unprecedented situation unfolding, some South Koreans are expressing concerns about the effectiveness of democratic processes. What message do you have for the citizens of South Korea during this time of uncertainty?
**Dr. Lee:** We understand the anxieties and concerns that many citizens are experiencing. We urge them to remain steadfast in their belief in democracy and to continue participating in the political dialog.This is a challenging moment, but it also presents an opportunity for us to strengthen our democracy and ensure that it truly serves the will of the people.
**Archyde Editor:** Dr. Lee, thank you for your insights.
**Archyde Readers: What do YOU think? Is this a sign of deep systemic issues within South Korean politics, or simply a series of unfortunate events? Share your thoughts in the comments below.**
## Archyde Exclusive: South Korean Political Crisis Deepens
**Today we are joined by Dr. Kim Ji-hye, professor of Political science at Seoul National University, to discuss the recent impeachment of south Korea’s interim President Han Duck-soo.**
**Archyde:** Dr. Kim, this is truly unprecedented. south Korea has now impeached two presidents in a matter of weeks. Can you help our viewers understand what led to this political crisis?
**Dr. Kim:** This is indeed an extraordinary situation. The impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3rd for declaring martial law was already a shock to the system. His successor, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, was then accused of obstructing justice by delaying an inquiry into the martial law declaration. Opposition lawmakers saw his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court as further evidence of disregard for the rule of law, leading to his impeachment.
**Archyde:** What dose this mean for the future of South Korean politics?
**Dr. Kim:** The situation is extremely volatile. Public trust in the political system is severely damaged. We are seeing deep divisions and acrimonious debate within parliament.The rapid succession of impeachments raises serious concerns about governance and stability.
**Archyde:** Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is now set to become the interim president. Is there any indication of how he intends to navigate this crisis?
**Dr.Kim:** It is too early to say. Mr. Choi is a respected figure, but he will face immense challenges.He will need to work quickly to restore public confidence and find a way to bridge the political divide.Failure to do so could further destabilize the country.
**Archyde:** Some analysts fear this crisis could have implications beyond South korea’s borders. Do you agree?
**Dr. Kim:** absolutely. South Korea is a key player in regional security and a vital US ally.This internal turmoil raises concerns about the country’s ability to effectively address issues such as North Korea’s nuclear program or maintain its strategic partnership with the United States.
**Archyde:** Dr. Kim, thank you for your invaluable insights. This is a developing story we will continue to follow closely.
_ **[1](https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/business/money-report/south-korea-impeaches-acting-president-han-duck-soo-deepening-political-turmoil/6086649/)_
