South Korea’s main opposition party, the Democratic Party (DP), plans to “immediately” initiate impeachment proceedings against acting President Han Duck-soo, according to DP floor leader Park Chan-dae.
Park’s statement on Tuesday followed Han’s delay in approving legislation for a special counsel investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s alleged attempt to impose martial law.
Prime Minister Han assumed acting presidential duties after Yoon’s impeachment on 14 December. Yoon now faces a Constitutional Court review to determine whether he will be permanently removed from office or reinstated.
“Acting President Han made it clear at today’s cabinet meeting that he would not greenlight the special prosecution law,” Park said. “There is no way to interpret it other than that he is delaying time.” Local media reported that the timing for submitting a bill to impeach Han could be decided as early as Tuesday afternoon.
The DP, holding a parliamentary majority, recently passed bills to appoint a special counsel to investigate charges of insurrection against Yoon and examine allegations involving his wife, including a luxury bag scandal.
However, Han did not include these bills in Tuesday’s cabinet agenda, urging further discussions between the ruling and opposition parties instead.
An unnamed high-ranking official from Han’s office described the DP’s impeachment plan as “highly regrettable,” Newsis news agency reported. The official warned that such a move could undermine international trust in the acting presidency and negatively impact South Korea’s economy.
Han’s office was not immediately available for comment. Meanwhile, Yoon’s ruling People Power Party accused the DP of pressuring Han for not meeting their demands. The accusations come as South Korea’s key ally, the United States, resumed planned communications with the country under Han’s leadership.
President Yoon, who has not made a public appearance since his impeachment, has yet to finalise his legal team. According to lawyer Seok Dong-hyeon, who is assisting with Yoon’s defence, the president is prioritising his Constitutional Court trial over responding to a summons for questioning regarding the martial law allegations.
Seok indicated that Yoon is unlikely to appear for questioning on Wednesday, which coincides with Christmas Day.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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