South Korea's acting leader has assured the international community that the country is returning to stability following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol by the liberal opposition-controlled parliament. The impeachment was a result of Yoon's brief imposition of martial law on December 3, leading to the suspension of his presidential powers pending a decision by the Constitutional Court.
If the court upholds the impeachment, a national election will be held within two months to select Yoon's successor. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, now serving as acting leader, has been working to restore confidence with global partners and stabilize markets amidst the political turmoil.
However, disagreements have emerged between rival parties regarding the appointment of three vacant justices to the Constitutional Court. With three seats currently unfilled, a unanimous decision by the remaining six justices is needed to formally end Yoon's presidency.
The main opposition Democratic Party aims to expedite the nomination process to ensure fairness in the court's ruling, while the ruling People Power Party has raised objections, citing procedural concerns.
Observers note that the current composition of the court may favor Yoon's chances of returning to office, as it requires only one justice to reject the impeachment. The Democratic Party has criticized the PPP's stance as obstructive and urged adherence to a prior agreement on the judicial appointments.
The uncertainty surrounding the impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court has raised concerns about potential delays, with a 180-day limit for the court to reach a decision on Yoon's fate.
Meanwhile, Yoon and his associates face allegations of rebellion and abuse of power related to the martial law declaration, which triggered widespread protests and a sharp decline in Yoon's public approval ratings. The situation has also impacted the upcoming presidential by-election, with Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung facing legal challenges that could affect his candidacy.
The political turmoil in South Korea underscores the deep divisions within the country and the high stakes involved in the ongoing impeachment process, which has significant implications for its future leadership and stability.
