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South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled on Monday to overturn the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as the acting head of state. This ruling comes amidst ongoing political unrest following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension in December. Han had temporarily stepped into the role of acting president after Yoon was suspended, but his impeachment two weeks later marked a new chapter of instability. Now, Han is back in power, reigniting tensions across the country.

Political Crisis Deepens Following Martial Law Attempt

South Korea’s political climate has been tense ever since President Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to declare martial law in December, triggering a constitutional crisis. The parliament impeached Yoon over the martial law attempt, which many viewed as an overreach during a political emergency. Han Duck-soo assumed temporary leadership, but political factions continued to clash over the country’s future direction. Two weeks after stepping into the role, Han himself was impeached by lawmakers, accusing him of interfering with judicial appointments proposed by the opposition.

When Han became the acting president, he blocked several judicial appointments that the opposition had hoped would strengthen their case for Yoon’s impeachment. This move angered opposition lawmakers, who viewed Han’s actions as obstructive, leading them to impeach him in retaliation.

Constitutional Court Reinstates Han in 7-1 Decision

In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled by a seven-to-one vote to overturn Han Duck-soo’s impeachment. This landmark decision restored Han to the position of acting president, further fueling the ongoing political unrest. Following the ruling, Han expressed his gratitude towards the court and vowed to restore order within the government institutions.

“I thank the Constitutional Court for its wise decision,” Han said in a statement. “I will work to bring the government to order,” he added, signaling a commitment to stabilizing the country’s political environment.

Focus Shifts to Impeachment of President Yoon

With Han reinstated as acting president, attention now shifts to the upcoming court decision regarding President Yoon’s impeachment. South Korea’s parliament had suspended Yoon’s presidency on December 14, but the court must confirm the decision for it to remain in effect. If the Constitutional Court overturns Yoon’s impeachment, the president will resume his duties immediately.

Although the date of the court’s verdict remains uncertain, the issue has ignited widespread protests. Over the past few weeks, both supporters and opponents of Yoon have taken to the streets of Seoul, with massive rallies gathering in recent days. Last weekend, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators filled the capital in a show of political force.

Ongoing Protests and Public Unrest

As South Korea waits for the court’s ruling on Yoon’s impeachment, the political unrest continues to escalate. Public anger has been mounting since the martial law attempt, and the country is deeply divided over the future of its leadership. Whether Han’s reinstatement will provide the much-needed stability remains uncertain, but the nation is bracing for more protests and political developments in the coming days.

The overturning of Han Duck-soo’s impeachment is a significant development in South Korea’s ongoing political crisis. As the country watches for the upcoming court ruling on President Yoon’s impeachment, the future remains uncertain. The political landscape is in turmoil, with public protests growing in intensity, and the resolution of these issues will likely have a lasting impact on South Korea’s stability.