South Korea's constitutional court clears PM, reinstates him as acting president

South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled to dismiss the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, effectively reinstating him as acting president.

The decision comes amid the ongoing political turmoil surrounding the suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief declaration of martial law, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The court voted 5-1 in favor of rejecting the impeachment motion, with two justices opposing the motion entirely. This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing political crisis, as it overturns the National Assembly’s decision from three months ago to impeach Han, who was also serving as acting president at the time of the martial law declaration.

The impeachment had been based on Han's alleged role in President Yoon’s controversial December 3 declaration of martial law, along with other accusations. In December, the National Assembly of South Korea voted to impeach the acting president. 

Prior to this, the parliament had already impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law. As a result, the powers of the presidency temporarily shifted to Han Duck-soo. Han refused to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court, a decision seen as an attempt to assist Yoon in retaining his position. 

The court was set to review the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon, who was removed from office, was accused of attempting a coup and was arrested in January. However, he contested the legality of the charges against him. In March, the court released the former president from custody.

By Naila Huseynova