South Korea Faces Second Presidential Impeachment in Two Weeks

South Korea’s parliament has impeached acting President Han Duck-soo, marking the second presidential removal in just two weeks. Han, who replaced impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, faced allegations tied to Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3, which led to a military standoff in parliament.

The impeachment underscores the political turmoil gripping the nation, as opposition MPs and dissenting members of Yoon's People Power party pushed through the vote. Han’s refusal to approve opposition-nominated justices for the constitutional court sealed his fate, making him the first acting president to be impeached in South Korean history.

The focus now shifts to the constitutional court, which must rule on Yoon's impeachment within 180 days. The court’s incomplete bench of six justices complicates the process, as a unanimous decision is required to uphold the charges.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has been appointed as interim president as the nation grapples with legal uncertainty, a criminal investigation into Yoon, and public unrest. The coming weeks are expected to bring further political drama as South Koreans demand stability amid the ongoing crisis.