South Korea's acting President faces impeachment vote

South Korea's acting president faces impeachment vote amid political turmoil, opposition seeks to restore constitutional order.

South Korea's acting President faced an impeachment vote on Friday (December 27, 2024), as the country struggled to shake off political turmoil sparked by his predecessor's martial law declaration that shocked the world.

Han Duck-soo took over as acting President from President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was suspended following a parliamentary vote over his move to impose martial law on December 3.

But opposition MPs now want Mr. Han, who is also Prime Minister, removed from office too, arguing that he is refusing demands to complete Mr. Yoon's impeachment process and to bring him to justice.

"Today our Democratic Party impeaches Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in accordance with the people's order," said Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung.

"The 'acting authority' has transformed into 'insurrectionary authority'."

In the impeachment motion put before Parliament, the Opposition said Mr. Han is "intentionally avoiding the special investigation to probe those involved in the insurrection and has clearly stated his intention to reject the appointments of three Constitutional Court judges".

Such actions, the motion said, are "in violation of a public official's duty to uphold the law... and serve the public".