South Korea’s parliament has voted to impeach interim President Han Duck Soo. According to National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, all 192 lawmakers present spoke in favor of impeachment on Friday.
It is the second time in less than two weeks that the South Korean parliament has voted to impeach a head of state.
Han’s predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, was previously suspended after the brief declaration of martial law. Yoon had previously refused to comply with the court’s request for documents and failed to respond to subpoenas from investigators in a separate criminal case over the declaration of martial law.
This had even earned him criticism from party friends. The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to decide Yoon’s fate. If he is removed from office, new elections must take place within 60 days.
Martial law declared in South Korea
Yoon declared martial law in South Korea on December 3, but lifted it shortly afterwards. The opposition subsequently accused him of violating the constitution and initiated impeachment proceedings. The surprise move and resulting political crisis also worries international allies such as the United States and Europe, which have previously seen Yoon as a reliable partner in global efforts to contain China, Russia and North Korea.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
