SEOUL – South Korea’s main opposition party warned on Monday (Dec 23) that it would initiate impeachment proceedings against Acting President Han Duck-soo unless he promulgates a law to establish a special counsel investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law.
Prime Minister Han, who has taken over following Yoon’s suspension on Dec 14, faces a Constitutional Court review to determine whether he will be permanently ousted.
The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, passed a bill this month to appoint a special counsel to probe charges of insurrection against Yoon, along with an investigation into his wife over allegations related to a luxury bag scandal.
The opposition party, which has accused Han of supporting Yoon’s martial law efforts, said it would proceed with impeachment if the legislation is not enacted by Tuesday.
“The delays demonstrate the prime minister’s unwillingness to uphold the constitution, essentially admitting that he is acting as a proxy for the insurgent president,” said Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party.
Han, a technocrat with decades of leadership experience under both conservative and liberal administrations, was appointed by Yoon as prime minister in 2022.
Han’s office has yet to comment, but he previously expressed regret for not preventing Yoon’s martial law declaration, though he claimed to have tried.
Park also accused Yoon of obstructing the Constitutional Court trial by rejecting court documents. He added, “Any delay in the investigation or impeachment trial is an extension of the insurrection and a plot for a second one.”
Meanwhile, a joint investigative team, including police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, plans to summon Yoon for questioning on Dec 25. However, it remains unclear if Yoon will appear.
Police Chief Woo Jong-soo informed parliament that the national police had attempted to raid Yoon’s office twice, but the presidential security service denied their entry.
Woo confirmed that a request was made to preserve crucial evidence, including a secure phone server.