South Korea’s Constitutional Court has reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president, overturning his impeachment in a ruling that immediately returns him to power.
Han, who had been suspended since December, pledged to focus on stabilising Asia’s fourth-largest economy amid what he described as a US “trade war.”
“I believe the people are making it very clear, in one voice, that the extreme confrontation in politics must stop,” Han said, thanking the court for its decision and the cabinet for their efforts during his suspension. “As acting president, I will do my best to maintain stable state administration and devote all wisdom and capabilities to safeguard national interests in the trade war,” he added in televised remarks.
South Korea, a major global exporter, has been bracing for potential economic fallout from US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. The country has already faced US tariffs on steel and aluminium and has been seeking an exemption from additional reciprocal tariffs set to take effect next month. Trump recently criticised South Korea for imposing high tariffs on US exports.
Han’s reinstatement comes amid ongoing political upheaval following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office after imposing martial law in December. Yoon’s actions triggered a political crisis, leading to a series of impeachments, resignations, and criminal charges against high-ranking officials.
Han, initially appointed as acting president after Yoon’s impeachment, was himself removed from office on 27 December after clashing with the opposition-led parliament over judicial appointments. However, the Constitutional Court ruled 7-1 on Monday to strike down his impeachment.
According to the court, five of the eight justices agreed that while the impeachment motion was valid, there were insufficient grounds to remove Han, as he had not violated the constitution or the law. Two justices further argued that the motion was invalid from the start, as it did not receive the required two-thirds majority in parliament.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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