South Korea’s opposition lawmakers have submitted a motion to impeach Prime Minister and acting leader Han Duck-soo, just weeks after parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The move follows Han’s refusal to appoint constitutional court judges nominated by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP).
“Han has revealed himself to be an acting insurrectionist, not an acting president,” stated DP floor leader Park Chan-dae on Thursday.
The opposition has also accused Han of supporting Yoon’s martial law attempt on December 3. Han had previously apologized for failing to prevent it.
Han further vetoed several opposition-led bills, including one proposing a special investigation into Yoon’s brief martial law declaration.
The impeachment motion is expected to be voted on within the next 24 to 72 hours. To pass, it requires the support of at least 151 of the 300 members of parliament.
The DP currently holds 170 seats, while the combined opposition bloc controls 192 seats in the legislature.
Opposition parties had anticipated that Han, as caretaker president, would facilitate the passage of key bills. However, his firm stance has intensified the political deadlock.
On Tuesday, Han concluded a cabinet meeting without addressing two opposition-sponsored bills calling for special counsel investigations into the martial law declaration and corruption allegations involving First Lady Kim Keon Hee.
Han defended his decision, stating he withheld the bills to allow more time for the ruling and opposition parties to reach a compromise.
DP floor leader Park Chan-dae criticized Han’s actions, accusing him of “buying time and prolonging the insurrection.”
“We’ve clearly warned that it’s totally up to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo whether he would go down in history as a disgraceful figure, as a puppet of rebellion plot leader Yoon Suk Yeol, or a public servant that has faithfully carried out the orders by the public,” Park said in a televised party meeting.
And on Thursday, Han said he would not appoint the three judges the opposition-dominated National Assembly had nominated to the constitutional court – which is deliberating whether Yoon should be impeached – unless the rival parties reach a consensus.
To this, Park said “it has become clear that Han Duck-soo is neither qualified nor willing to defend the constitution”, adding that the opposition would “immediately” table the impeachment bill.
The ruling People Power Party has accused the opposition of undermining Han Duck-soo’s “legitimate exercise of authority” with their impeachment threats, while a senior official from the prime minister’s office described the actions as “extremely regrettable.”
Han assumed the role of caretaker president earlier this month after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached. If lawmakers vote to impeach Han, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will be next in line to lead the government.
This latest escalation in South Korea’s political crisis coincides with the Constitutional Court’s deliberations on whether President Yoon should be permanently removed from office. The court is scheduled to hold its first public hearing later this week.
It remains uncertain whether Yoon will testify during the proceedings, but protesters have pledged to continue their demonstrations calling for his removal throughout the hearings.
Yoon is also under investigation for alleged insurrection related to his failed attempt to impose martial law. Despite multiple summonses, he has refused to cooperate with investigators, who have warned they may issue an arrest warrant if his noncompliance persists.
In addition, several high-ranking officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, and Army Chief Park An-su, are also under investigation.