South Korean politicians passed a unanimous motion to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo that received 192 votes to 0 in the National Assembly, the country’s parliament
South Korean politicians have voted to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo just two weeks after he took over from President Yoon Suk Yeol for his botched attempt to impose martial law in the country.
The motion to impeach Han passed unanimously in the National Assembly with 192 votes to 0. It marked the first time an acting president had been impeached by the South Korean parliament.
Han is set to be suspended from his duties as soon as the resolution is delivered to him. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is due to serve both in his PM role and as acting prime minister.
According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, Han said in a statement: “I respect the decision of the National Assembly, and in order not to add to the confusion and uncertainty, I will suspend my duties in line with relevant laws, and wait for the swift and wise decision of the Constitutional Court.”
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has protested the move claiming the vote was invalid as the impeachment limit was set at a simple majority of 151 votes, that applies to cabinet ministers. The PPP argues a two-thirds majority of 200 votes is needed when applying to the president.
But the Democratic Party listed five reasons for impeachment, including his refusal to appoint justices as well as his involvement in Yoon’s botched martial law attempt. The PPP is expected to seek an injunction or take legal steps to nullify the impeachment.
Yoon was impeached earlier this month less than two weeks after he tried to seize power by declaring martial law across the country and deploying the military. He made international headlines when he declared martial law in a shock late-night move that saw troops move to secure key buildings and infrastructure before being stood down.
Tens of thousands of South Koreans braved bitter cold poured into the streets of the capital Seoul and continued to do so for the two weeks leading up to Yoon’s impeachment. They called for him to be ousted and arrested.
