South Korea’s Constitutional Court Reinstates Han Duck-soo as Acting President Amid Political Turmoil and Trade War Concerns
Seoul, March 24 (Reuters) – South Korea’s Constitutional Court delivered a significant ruling on Monday, reinstating Han Duck-soo as acting president after striking down his impeachment. This decision comes at a crucial juncture for the nation, grappling with months of political instability and mounting economic concerns exacerbated by a burgeoning trade war with the United States.
The court’s ruling effectively returns Han to power immediately, allowing him to resume his duties as acting leader. He initially assumed the role following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, which stemmed from the president’s controversial imposition of martial law in December.
Upon his reinstatement, Han addressed the nation, expressing his gratitude to the court for its "wise decision" and acknowledging the dedication of the cabinet during his suspension. He emphasized the urgent need for political unity and pledged to prioritize the nation’s interests amid the economic challenges posed by the trade war.
"I believe the people are making it very clear, in one voice, that the extreme confrontation in politics must stop," Han stated. "As acting president, I will do my best to maintain stable state administration, and devote all wisdom and capabilities to safeguard national interests in the trade war."
Han’s reinstatement is particularly significant given South Korea’s vulnerability to the potential impacts of U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump. The country, a major global exporter, has already experienced the imposition of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. South Korea is currently seeking an exemption from reciprocal U.S. tariffs scheduled for the following month. Furthermore, Trump has previously criticized South Korea for its high tariffs on U.S. exports, adding further strain to the economic relationship between the two nations.
The political crisis that led to Han’s impeachment and subsequent reinstatement was triggered by President Yoon’s declaration of martial law, a move that plunged the key U.S. military ally into its most significant political crisis in decades. The declaration sparked a leadership vacuum characterized by spiraling impeachments, resignations, and criminal indictments targeting high-ranking officials.
Han’s initial tenure as acting president was short-lived. He was impeached and suspended on December 27 after a clash with the opposition-led parliament over his refusal to appoint three additional justices to the Constitutional Court. The court, however, ultimately ruled against the impeachment, with a vote of seven to one in favor of reinstating Han.
During the period when both Yoon and Han’s cases were under review by the Constitutional Court, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok served as acting president, providing a degree of stability amid the political storm.
Han’s extensive experience in government, spanning over three decades and encompassing leadership positions under five different presidents, both conservative and liberal, makes him a unique figure in South Korean politics. In a country often divided by partisan rhetoric, Han is viewed as an official whose career has transcended party lines.
Despite his experience and reputation, Han has faced criticism from the opposition-led parliament, which accused him of not doing enough to prevent Yoon’s decision to declare martial law. Han has denied these accusations.
Lee Jae-myung, the head of the opposition Democratic Party, has called on the Constitutional Court to expedite its decision regarding President Yoon’s impeachment. The court is expected to issue its ruling in the coming days. Yoon also faces a separate criminal trial on charges of leading an insurrection through his declaration of martial law.
Lee warned that the court’s continued delay in reaching a decision is exacerbating concern and conflict within the nation. He also suggested that he would likely win a presidential election if Yoon were to be removed from office.
In recent months, South Korea has witnessed large-scale, predominantly peaceful rallies, with citizens expressing both support for Yoon and demanding his removal. These demonstrations reflect the deep divisions within the country and the intensity of the political crisis.
Lim Ji-bong, a law professor at Sogang University, anticipates that the court will ultimately remove Yoon from office. He believes that the justices will seek to demonstrate their unity by making a decisive decision aimed at resolving the deepening national divisions.
The unexpected imposition of martial law on December 3 sent shockwaves throughout South Korea and raised concerns among allies, including the United States, which under the previous administration of President Joe Biden, viewed Yoon as a key partner in efforts to counter China and North Korea.
The martial law itself lasted only approximately six hours, as lawmakers defied a security cordon around parliament and voted to reject the declaration. The events surrounding the martial law and the subsequent political fallout have left a lasting mark on South Korea, raising questions about the stability of its democracy and its ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges.
The future direction of South Korean politics and its relationship with key allies, particularly the United States, hinges on the Constitutional Court’s upcoming decision regarding President Yoon’s impeachment. The ruling will undoubtedly shape the political landscape for years to come and determine the course of the nation as it confronts both internal divisions and external pressures.
