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| Full ruling breakdown of PM Han's Impeachment |
🏛️ Court Rejects Impeachment Motion Against PM Han
South Korea’s Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment motion against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on March 24, with five of eight judges voting against removal. The ruling, delivered at 10 a.m. KST, determined that while Han violated constitutional procedures, his actions did not warrant impeachment.
⚖️ Why Was the Impeachment Rejected?
- Majority Opinion (5 Judges): Acknowledged Han’s delay in appointing a Constitutional Court judge (nominated by the National Assembly) violated the law but ruled it not severe enough to justify removal.
- Allegations Dismissed: The court rejected claims that Han colluded with President Yoon Suk Yeol over a martial law plan or obstructed justice.
- Procedural Validity Upheld: The court confirmed the impeachment vote (requiring only a simple majority) was legal, dismissing Han’s argument that a two-thirds majority (like presidential impeachment) should apply.
⚖️ Dissenting Opinions & Controversy
- One Judge (Jeong Gye-seon) supported impeachment, arguing Han’s failure to appoint a special prosecutor for an alleged coup plot and judicial delays were serious constitutional violations.
- Two Judges (Cho Han-chang & Jeong Hyeong-sik) dismissed the case on procedural grounds, arguing that since Han was acting president during Yoon’s suspension, the impeachment should have required 200 votes (two-thirds majority) instead of 151.
👨Han Duck-soo Resumes Duties as Acting President
Following the ruling, Han immediately returned to office, continuing his role as acting president while Yoon Suk Yeol remains suspended. This marks the first Constitutional Court ruling on a high-ranking official involved in the martial law controversy.
🔍 Latest Updates on South Korea’s Political Crisis
The decision ends months of political turmoil but raises questions about:
✔ Executive accountability in South Korea’s government
✔ Legal standards for impeaching high-ranking officials
✔ Future challenges for President Yoon’s administration
📚 Learn Korean with This News Summary
Korean Text:
- 헌법재판소 (heonbeop jaepanso) - Constitutional Court
- 기각하다 (gigakada) - to dismiss/reject (a motion)
- 국무총리 (gungmuchongni) - Prime Minister
- 탄핵소추 (tanhaek sochu) - impeachment motion
- 즉시 (jeukshi) - immediately
- 직무 복귀 (jingmu bokgwi) - return to duty
- 대통령 권한대행 (daetongnyeong gwonhandaehaeng) - acting president
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