South Korea's Constitutional Court dismissed a high-profile impeachment motion against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Monday, restoring his powers in a decision with immediate effect. The ruling follows months of political turmoil linked to the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol over a controversial martial law declaration in December 2023.
Five of the court's eight justices rejected the impeachment motion, citing insufficient evidence tying Han to Yoon's attempt to impose emergency martial law. While the court criticized Han's refusal to appoint constitutional justices as unconstitutional, it found no proof he sought to interfere in proceedings related to Yoon's impeachment.
Prime Minister Han, who also briefly served as acting president during the crisis, regained his position after former Economy and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok temporarily assumed presidential duties. The opposition-controlled National Assembly had impeached both Yoon and Han late last year, marking a rare moment of institutional deadlock.
The court's decision raises questions about political stability in Asia's fourth-largest economy, particularly as investors monitor policy continuity. Analysts suggest the ruling could ease short-term uncertainty but highlights lingering tensions between legislative and executive branches.
