South Korean opposition plans to impeach acting president amid martial law row

South Korea's main opposition party said on Tuesday (December 24, 2024) it will seek to impeach acting leader Mr. Han Duck-soo after he missed an opposition-set deadline to approve independent investigations into impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife.

If realised, Mr. Han’s impeachment would further deepen South Korea’s political tumult and worries by neighbouring countries caused by Mr. Yoon’s stunning December 3 (2024) martial law declaration and ensuing impeachment. Since Yoon’s impeachment, Mr. Han, the country’s No. 2 official, has taken over presidential powers and duties. If he’s impeached too, the Finance Minister is next in line.

The main liberal opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in Parliament, has slammed Mr. Han for vetoing several opposition-sponsored bills, including a controversial agriculture bill. It also urged Mr. Han to quickly appoint justices to vacant seats on the Constitutional Court, which is reviewing Mr. Yoon's impeachment and will determine whether to dismiss or reinstate him.