South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo becomes acting president after Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment

In his address, Han asked the foreign minister to communicate with international partners to reaffirm that South Korea’s major external policies remain unchanged.

By: Express Web Desk
Updated: December 14, 2024 07:12 PM IST

3 min read

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks during a plenary session held relating to the martial law declaration, at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo)

Now that South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached on Saturday, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, has assumed the role of South Korea’s acting president.

In his public address after assuming the charge, Han pledged to maintain stability and ensure no disruption in state affairs following the impeachment. He further outlined measures to safeguard security and uphold trust with key allies, including the United States and Japan.

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Han also directed the military to heighten its security posture to prevent any potential provocations from North Korea. “We will leave no vacuum in governance,” he assured, emphasising the government’s commitment to maintaining stability during the transition.

In pics | Jubilation in Seoul as president Yoon Suk Yeol impeached

In his address, Han asked the foreign minister to communicate with international partners to reaffirm that South Korea’s major external policies remain unchanged. He also instructed the finance minister to take proactive measures to minimise any economic fallout from the political uncertainty.

“The entire cabinet will work tirelessly to preserve the nation’s trust with its allies and ensure policy continuity,” Han stated, underscoring the government’s resolve to handle the crisis effectively.

South Korea’s executive powers are heavily concentrated with the president, but the prime minister leads the country if the president becomes incapacitated.

Also read | In South Korea, a dangerous blurring of civil-military lines — and a silver lining

Han, a seasoned politician with extensive experience, has previously held senior government roles, including trade and finance minister, and served as ambassador to the United States. He also held the position of prime minister from 2007 to 2008.

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Attention has now turned to South Korea’s Constitutional Court which faces the challenge of either upholding the impeachment motion and removing Yoon from office or rejecting it and restoring his presidential powers.

The court has 180 days to reach a decision. Should Yoon be removed or choose to resign, South Korea would be required to hold a presidential election within 60 days.

The impeachment motion, which passed with a majority of 204 votes out of 300 lawmakers in the National Assembly—85 voting against—marks only the initial step in the process of removing Yoon from office. However, the effort could ultimately fail, depending on the court’s verdict.

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