South Korea’s Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as the country’s acting president.

Han initially assumed leadership in December after President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended and impeached by parliament over his failed attempt to impose martial law. However, his tenure was short-lived, lasting only two weeks before lawmakers impeached him as well. Since then, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has been leading the government.

The country has been engulfed in political turmoil following Yoon’s controversial martial law attempt. Shortly after stepping in as acting leader, Han blocked the appointment of new constitutional court judges—an action that the opposition viewed as an attempt to protect Yoon from permanent impeachment. In response, they swiftly moved to impeach Han.

On Monday, the Constitutional Court ruled 7-1 in favor of overturning Han’s impeachment. Following the decision, Han expressed gratitude, stating, "I thank the Constitutional Court for its wise ruling. I will work to restore order in the government."

Meanwhile, all eyes remain on the court’s pending decision regarding Yoon’s impeachment. His removal will only be finalized if upheld by the Constitutional Court; otherwise, he will immediately resume his presidency.

As anticipation builds, Seoul has witnessed massive protests from both Yoon’s supporters and opponents, with hundreds of thousands rallying in the capital last weekend. The court has yet to announce the date for Yoon’s final verdict.

Source: BBC 

BDST: 1112 HRS, MAR 24, 2025
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