SEOUL: South Korea’s parliament impeached acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday (Dec 27), less than two weeks after suspending President Yoon Suk Yeol’s powers over his short-lived declaration of martial law, plunging the country deeper into political chaos.
The impeachment of Han, the acting president since Yoon was impeached on Dec 14 for declaring martial law on Dec 3, has pushed South Korea’s once-vibrant democratic success story into uncharted territory.
In a statement after the vote, Han said he was saddened by what the unfolding events meant for the next generation, but accepted the outcome.
“I respect parliament’s decision and in order to avoid further chaos and uncertainty, I will suspend my duties in accordance with relevant laws,” he said.
He added he would await the decision of the Constitutional Court to review the impeachment motion. The ruling People Power Party, which has objected to the opposition-led impeachment of Han, said it had filed a constitutional petition.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok now assumes the role of acting president as the person next in line under the law. He is set to speak to the military chief and consult the foreign minister and acting defence minister, a spokesperson said.
The motion led by opposition parties passed with 192 of the 300 votes amid rowdy scenes by ruling People Power Party members, who surrounded the speaker’s podium chanting that the vote was invalid and parliament had engaged in “tyranny”.
