South Korea’s Constitutional Court Reinstates Han Duck-soo as Acting President Amid Political Turmoil

 SEOUL, March 24 – South Korea’s Constitutional Court has reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president, striking down his impeachment in a 7-1 ruling on Monday. The decision comes as the country navigates months of political instability and mounting economic concerns, including the impact of a potential U.S. "trade war."

The ruling immediately restores Han to power, allowing him to step back into his role as acting leader following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief martial law declaration in December.

"I believe the people are making it very clear, in one voice, that the extreme confrontation in politics must stop," Han said after the verdict, thanking the court for its "wise decision" and acknowledging the cabinet’s 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 a televised address.

Political Crisis and Economic Uncertainty

South Korea, a key U.S. ally and one of the world’s top exporters, is bracing for the impact of potential U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump. The country has already faced tariffs on steel and aluminum and has been lobbying for exemptions from additional trade restrictions set to take effect next month.

Earlier this month, Trump singled out South Korea, criticizing its high tariffs on U.S. exports. Han’s reinstatement is seen as critical in navigating the economic uncertainty ahead.

A Nation in Crisis

President Yoon’s martial law declaration plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades, creating a leadership vacuum amid impeachments, resignations, and criminal charges against top officials. Han was initially impeached and suspended on December 27 after clashing with the opposition-led parliament over judicial appointments.

The Constitutional Court’s decision reflects deep divisions within the judiciary. While five of the eight justices ruled that the impeachment motion was valid, they found insufficient grounds to justify Han’s removal, stating that he had not violated the constitution or the law. Two justices deemed the motion invalid from the start, as it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in parliament. Only one justice voted in favor of impeachment.

Opposition Reacts as Yoon’s Fate Hangs in the Balance

Han, 75, has served under five presidents across conservative and liberal administrations, earning a reputation as a bipartisan figure. However, his critics argue he failed to prevent Yoon from imposing martial law, a charge he has consistently denied.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, head of the Democratic Party, acknowledged the court’s ruling but urged a swift decision on President Yoon’s impeachment case.

"The court's continued delay in ruling is fueling concern and conflict ... We can now anticipate the situation going beyond a psychological civil war to become an actual physical civil war," Lee warned, as he leads in opinion polls should Yoon be removed from office.

Awaiting the Final Verdict

The Constitutional Court is expected to rule on Yoon’s fate in the coming days, though deliberations have stretched longer than anticipated. If Yoon is removed, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.

In the meantime, South Korea has witnessed massive but mostly peaceful demonstrations, both in support of Yoon and calling for his ouster.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok had been serving as acting president while the court reviewed the cases against Yoon and Han.

Yoon’s martial law, imposed on December 3, lasted only six hours before being overturned by lawmakers who defied a security cordon around parliament to vote it down. The episode sent shockwaves through Seoul and its allies, including Washington, where former U.S. President Joe Biden had viewed Yoon as a key partner in countering China and North Korea.

With South Korea’s leadership in flux, all eyes are now on the Constitutional Court’s final ruling—a decision that could reshape the nation’s political landscape.