South Korea In Political Chaos As Lawmakers Impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo

South Korean lawmakers on Friday impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo, further deepening the nation’s political crisis.

Han had assumed the role after President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended earlier this month for declaring martial law, a controversial move that shocked the global community.

The impeachment motion, supported by opposition lawmakers, accused Han of obstructing the process to finalize Yoon’s impeachment and refusing to appoint judges to the Constitutional Court, creating a political deadlock.

 The National Assembly Speaker, Woo Won-shik, announced that all 192 lawmakers present voted in favor of the motion.

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The ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) strongly opposed the impeachment. PPP leader Kweon Seong-dong urged Han to continue leading the government despite the decision.

 However, Han stated he respects the parliamentary outcome and awaits the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the matter.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has stepped in as acting president, emphasizing the need for stability in the face of growing economic concerns.

Meanwhile, the South Korean won dropped to its lowest value in 16 years, reflecting investor uncertainty amid the ongoing turmoil.

This marks the first time South Korea has impeached an acting president, underscoring the country’s escalating political tensions.

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The Constitutional Court, currently short of three judges, will now decide on the validity of both Yoon’s and Han’s impeachments.

The crisis has drawn sharp criticism from opposition members, who argue that Han’s refusal to appoint new judges undermines constitutional order.

Amid the chaos, police continue investigating the martial law declaration, including a raid on a presidential safe house.

South Korea’s political future hangs in the balance as it awaits critical rulings from the Constitutional Court.