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South Korea’s top court dismisses Han Duck-soo’s impeachment, reinstating him as acting president
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President Yoon’s fate remains undecided as court weighs permanent removal after martial law decree
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Han pledges unity and stability amid political turmoil and ongoing legal challenges against Yoon
South Korea’s Constitutional Court has reinstated Han Duck-soo as acting president, dismissing his impeachment in a 7-1 ruling on Monday.
The decision marks another twist in the ongoing political crisis triggered by the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the court ruled that while the impeachment motion against Han was valid, five justices found insufficient grounds to justify his removal.
Two other justices argued the motion was illegitimate, as it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, garnering support from only 192 of 300 lawmakers.
Han, 75, had assumed the role of acting president following Yoon’s suspension on December 14, but was himself sidelined less than two weeks later after refusing to appoint three new Constitutional Court justices.
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In a televised address following his reinstatement, Han thanked the court for its “wise decision” and vowed to steer the country through pressing geopolitical challenges.
“Our citizens are speaking clearly against political division. It’s time to move forward as a united nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the court is still deliberating on Yoon’s fate, with a verdict expected within days.
At least six of the eight remaining justices must uphold Yoon’s impeachment to permanently remove him from office. If that happens, a presidential election must be held within 60 days.
Yoon is also facing criminal charges, including insurrection, over his brief imposition of martial law on December 3. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
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