South Korean Opposition Threatens to Oust Acting President in Power Struggle
SEOUL: The political drama in South Korea (SDK) shows no signs of abating. In the latest twist, the opposition in South Korea’s parliament is considering impeaching Acting President Han Duck-soo.
AFP reports that this threat comes as a protest against Han’s refusal to sign two special acts of legislation aimed at investigating his predecessor, the ousted Yoon Suk Yeol. The acts relate to Yoon’s declaration of martial law, which was later rescinded after being rejected by the parliament.
The main opposition party, the Democratic Party, has set Christmas Eve as the deadline for Han to announce the two special acts. Yoon’s declaration of martial law was subsequently revoked after being rejected by the parliament.
The parliament also called for a bill to investigate corruption allegations involving Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee. Yoon was impeached by the parliament on December 14 after a brief declaration of martial law 11 days earlier, plunging the country into its worst political crisis in decades.
Han, who replaced Yoon, rebuffed the opposition’s demands during a cabinet meeting, insisting on a bipartisan agreement for both acts. Opposition leader Park Chan-dae criticized Han’s stance, stating, "His actions suggest he intends to continue his rebellion by delaying the legal process."
" Han will soon face imminent impeachment," Park warned.
The threat comes just 10 days after Yoon was impeached in an opposition-led vote, suspending him from his presidential duties while the Constitutional Court decides on the validity of the impeachment. The opposition is seeking to establish two independent investigative bodies to probe Yoon’s martial law declaration and the controversial affairs of First Lady Kim, including allegations of bribery.
Yoon is currently under investigation by a joint team comprising police, defense ministry officials, and anti-corruption prosecutors. While the opposition argues that a simple majority in the 300-member parliament is needed to impeach Han, the ruling People Power Party maintains that a two-thirds majority is required, as Han is currently serving as acting president.
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(haf/idh)
