South Korean Court reinstates impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting President

By  News On Air   Mar 24, 2025

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting President. Meanwhile, the court has yet to decide on the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, a matter that remains crucial for the nation’s leadership.

In a 7-1 ruling, the court’s eight justices dismissed Mr Han’s impeachment, with two additional justices opposing the impeachment motion entirely.

National Assembly impeached Mr Han, who was serving as both Prime Minister and acting president, citing his alleged involvement in former President Yeol’s December 3 declaration of martial law, among other charges.

During the suspensions of South Korea’s two highest-ranking leaders, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok had been overseeing presidential duties.

If the court upholds Mr Yoon’s impeachment, South Korea will be required to hold a new presidential election. However, if the court rules in his favor, he will return to the office with full presidential authority.