South Korea’s Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s authority on Monday, reversing his impeachment and marking another dramatic turn in the nation’s turbulent political landscape.
Han had taken over as acting president after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faced removal following his controversial declaration of martial law in December. With the court’s ruling, Han immediately resumed his duties as acting president.
“I am grateful for the wise decision made by the Constitutional Court,” Han said in a televised statement, expressing appreciation for his cabinet’s efforts during his suspension. He pledged to steer South Korea through global challenges and maintain its development amid geopolitical shifts.
Yoon’s martial law declaration had thrown the country—Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key U.S. ally—into its most severe political crisis in decades. The turmoil triggered a wave of impeachments, resignations, and criminal investigations targeting top officials.
Han had initially held office for less than two weeks before being impeached and suspended on December 27, 2024. His removal followed clashes with the opposition-led parliament after he refused to appoint three additional justices to the Constitutional Court.
In a seven-to-one decision, the court struck down his impeachment. While five of the eight justices deemed the impeachment motion valid, they found insufficient grounds to justify Han’s removal, ruling that he had not violated the constitution or any laws. Two justices declared the motion invalid from the start, citing a lack of the required two-thirds majority in parliament, while one justice voted to uphold the impeachment.
At 75, Han has served under five presidents—both conservative and liberal—earning a reputation as a rare figure capable of bridging partisan divides. However, opposition lawmakers accused him of failing to prevent Yoon’s martial law decision, a charge he denied.
During Han’s suspension, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok stepped in as acting president while the Constitutional Court deliberated on the cases of both Yoon and Han.
Parliament had impeached Han not only for his alleged role in the martial law crisis but also for refusing to appoint additional justices and opposing special counsel bills targeting Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon Hee.
