South Korean Parliament votes to impeach acting president
The South Korean Parliament voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo, temporarily stripping him of power less than two weeks after the same body voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his brief declaration of martial law that threw the country into a political crisis.
The vote passed 192-0, The Associated Press reported.
Han's duties and powers have been taken away until the Constitutional Court makes a decision on whether to reinstate him as president or dismiss him entirely. The court typically has nine judges on the bench, but due to delays in filling vacancies, it has six justices. For Han’s full removal, all six of them would need to vote in support, according to CNN.
The same court is also looking over Yoon’s impeachment. In total, the court has up to half a year to take up the cases and make a decision.
Han said he respects the legislature’s decision and “will suspend my duties under relevant laws to avoid further confusion and uncertainty.”
Choi Sang-mok, the deputy prime minister and finance minister, is filling in and taking over the duties.
The impeachment motion was filed by the Democratic Party, the main opposition party, over Han's refusal to move on filling the three empty seats on the nation’s highest court.
Yoon was impeached Dec. 14, less than two weeks after briefly declaring martial law in the East Asian country on Dec. 3
Yoon’s declaration in early December drew fierce criticisms in the National Assembly and caused protests outside the building’s halls. He ended up apologizing for the decision and said he would not do it again.
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South Korean Lawmakers Impeach Acting President as Crisis Deepens
The vote was the second major impeachment in two weeks after President Yoon’s ill-fated martial law bid set off turmoil. The country’s currency has plunged.The New York Times - 11h -
South Korea's acting president impeached, country's second presidential impeachment of the month
South Korean lawmakers have voted to impeach their acting president, Han Duck-soo, who was appointed after the elected president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was impeached earlier this month.CBS News - 14h -
South Korea opposition-controlled National Assembly votes to impeach acting president
South Korea’s opposition-controlled National Assembly has voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-sooABC News - 16h -
South Korea’s parliament impeaches acting President Han Duck-soo
South Korea’s opposition-controlled National Assembly has voted to impeach the country’s acting leader Han Duck-soo. The assembly approved the impeachment motion in a 192-0 vote. Han’s impeachment ...NBC News - 20h -
South Korean lawmakers impeach acting president Han Duck-soo
Assembly approves motion days after parliament stripped President Yoon Suk Yeol of his powers over martial law order. South Korea’s parliament has voted to impeach the acting president, Han ...The Guardian - 21h -
South Korea lawmakers vote to impeach acting president two weeks after impeaching president – live
Han Duck-soo says he will step aside to avoid further chaos, as finance minister assumes acting presidency. Han Duck-soo who was appointed prime minister by Yoon Suk Yeol. He became acting ...The Guardian - 21h -
South Korea votes to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo
Han took over the role after President Yoon was impeached by parliament two weeks ago.BBC News - 21h -
South Korea’s acting president impeached by parliament
Opposition MPs act against prime minister Han Duck-soo after impasse over appointing judgesFinancial Times - 22h -
South Korean opposition moves to impeach acting president
Han Duck-soo has refused to fill vacancies on the constitutional court hearing Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachmentFinancial Times - 1d
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