South Korea’s parliament targets caretaker leader in latest impeachment push

Opposition lawmakers in South Korea have filed a motion to impeach Prime Minister and acting leader Han Duck-soo, less than two weeks after parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The motion follows Han's refusal to appoint three constitutional court judges nominated by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), intensifying the political stand-off in the country, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"Han has shown himself to be an acting insurrectionist, not an acting president," said DP floor leader Park Chan-dae on December 26.

The opposition has accused Han of aiding President Yoon’s controversial attempt to impose martial law earlier this month. Han previously apologized for failing to block the move and has since vetoed several opposition-led bills, including one proposing a special investigation into the martial law declaration.

The impeachment motion is expected to go to a vote within the next 24 to 72 hours. To pass, it requires support from at least 151 of the 300 lawmakers. The DP, which holds 170 seats, leads a broader opposition bloc controlling 192 seats.

Opposition parties had hoped Han would act impartially as caretaker president, facilitating the passage of key bills. Instead, his stance has exacerbated tensions.

Han ended a cabinet meeting without discussing two opposition-backed bills, which called for investigations into the martial law declaration and alleged corruption involving First Lady Kim Keon Hee.

Han explained his decision by saying he wanted to give rival parties more time to reach a compromise. However, Park accused him of "buying time and prolonging the insurrection".

"We’ve made it clear that Han Duck-soo faces a choice: to go down in history as a disgraceful puppet of Yoon Suk Yeol or as a public servant who respects the will of the people," Park said during a televised meeting.

Han further fuelled tensions by announcing he would not appoint the opposition-nominated constitutional court judges unless a consensus was reached. The court is currently deliberating whether to permanently bar President Yoon from office.

"It has become evident that Han Duck-soo is neither qualified nor willing to uphold the constitution," Park said, confirming that the impeachment motion would be tabled immediately.

The ruling People Power Party criticized the impeachment move, accusing the opposition of interfering with Han's "legitimate exercise of authority". A senior official from the prime minister's office called the threats "deeply regrettable".

Han assumed the role of caretaker president earlier this month after Yoon was impeached. If the motion against him succeeds, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok would take over as acting leader.

The political crisis comes as the Constitutional Court prepares to hold its first public hearing on Yoon’s impeachment later this week. The president is also under investigation for alleged insurrection linked to his attempt to declare martial law.

Yoon has repeatedly refused to respond to summons from investigators, who have warned they may issue an arrest warrant if he continues to ignore them.

Protests against Yoon have persisted, with demonstrators vowing to maintain pressure during the court hearings. Several senior officials, including former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, and Army Chief Park An-su, are also under investigation.

The outcome of the impeachment motions and court deliberations could determine the trajectory of South Korea’s political landscape in the months ahead.

By Aghakazim Guliyev