South Korea is grappling with unprecedented political turmoil following the impeachment of both the president and vice president. Martial law was briefly declared before being overturned, and the deputy prime minister has taken on the role of interim leader. The situation raises concerns about national stability and the country's foreign standing.
The successive impeachments are unprecedented, and mean the top two officials in Asia's fourth-largest economy are currently suspended from their duties.
The unexpected move — which saw hundreds of troops pour into Seoul's streets, hearkening back to the days of military rule in the 60s and 70s — came as a shock to the public and politicians on both sides of the aisle, as well as causing alarm to the US and other allies. Restoring the court's full nine-member panel is crucial for the opposition because a court ruling to uphold Mr Yoon's removal from office needs backing from at least six justices, meaning a full bench would increase the prospect of Mr Yoon's ouster.
Choi Sang-mok himself had asked the opposition on Friday to withdraw its plan to impeach Mr Han, saying it would do serious damage to the economy."The government must do its best to ensure that the people do not become anxious," Mr Choi said in a statement issued by his office after he took power.
Choi Jin, of Seoul's Institute of Presidential Leadership, also doubts Choi Sang-mok will be able to smoothly engage with diplomacy with world leaders.The governing PPP argues Mr Han's impeachment was invalid because it passed with a simple majority in the 300-member National Assembly, not the two-thirds majority that was required to impeach Mr Yoon.
South Korea Impeachment Politics Martial Law Instability
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