South Korea’s Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s authority on Monday, March 24, marking another major development in the nation’s recent political turmoil. Han had been impeached nearly three months ago while serving as acting president. Han initially assumed the role of acting leader after President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached in December for briefly imposing martial law. Following the court’s ruling, Han immediately resumed his position as acting president.

Expressing gratitude for the court’s decision, Han thanked the cabinet for their efforts during his suspension. In a televised statement, he emphasized the importance of preparing for global challenges and ensuring South Korea’s continued progress amid geopolitical shifts. Yoon’s declaration of martial law had triggered one of South Korea’s most severe political crises in decades, leading to a leadership vacuum and a wave of impeachments, resignations, and criminal investigations against top officials.

Han, who initially served as acting president for less than two weeks, was impeached and suspended on December 27 after clashing with the opposition-controlled parliament over judicial appointments. Lawmakers accused him of failing to prevent Yoon’s martial law decision and refusing to appoint three justices to the Constitutional Court.

In Monday’s ruling, the court voted 7-1 to overturn Han’s impeachment. While five justices acknowledged the motion had merit, they found insufficient grounds to justify removal, as Han had not violated the constitution or any laws. Two justices argued that the impeachment was invalid from the outset due to a lack of parliamentary support, while one justice upheld the impeachment.

Han, 75, has held leadership roles under five different presidents across political parties, making him a rare figure with bipartisan experience. Despite this, the opposition accused him of negligence in preventing Yoon’s martial law declaration, a claim he denied. During Han’s suspension, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok temporarily took over as acting president. Parliament had impeached Han for his alleged involvement in the martial law episode, his refusal to confirm new justices, and his opposition to special counsel bills targeting Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee.

At his February 19 court hearing, Han refuted the accusations and called for his impeachment to be dismissed. Yoon’s brief martial law, declared on December 3, lasted only six hours before lawmakers defied a security blockade and overturned it. The political upheaval caused regional concern, especially among allies like the United States, where former President Joe Biden had regarded Yoon as a key partner in countering China and North Korea. A ruling on Yoon’s impeachment is expected soon. If he is officially removed from office, South Korea will hold a new presidential election within 60 days.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.