South Korea impeaches acting president Han Duck-soo, stirring new political chaos
Han is accused of refusing to appoint judges to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court holding hearing on Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law
South Korean lawmakers impeached the acting president on Friday, as the country struggles to shake off political turmoil sparked by his predecessor’s martial law declaration that shocked the world.
However, opposition MPs demanded Han, who is also prime minister, be removed from office as well, arguing that he had refused demands to complete Yoon’s impeachment process and bring him to justice.
“I announce that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment motion has passed. Out of the 192 lawmakers who voted, 192 voted to impeach,” said National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-Shik.
Counting for the impeachment was delayed as ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) lawmakers protested in parliament after Woo said only a simple majority was needed in the 300-member parliament to proceed with the impeachment.
PPP lawmakers began chanting angrily and many rushed towards Woo, demanding that he resign. They did not take part in the vote.
