South Korea’s opposition-led National Assembly approved a motion on Monday to impeach the nation’s acting president, Han Duck-soo, deepening political turmoil in the Asian country. Again on Friday, the motion was passed with 192 votes against it, with none voting in its favour, but the members of the governing party, in this case, boycotted by refusals to vote as a show of their discontent with the president’s impeachment. Han, who was the country’s second in command, had been acting as the president after the latest impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
President Yoon had an impeachment motion moved against him earlier this month following his declaration of martial law following increasing unrest, a move that was greatly condemned locally and internationally. More than anything, we expect that Han’s impeachment is a fresh blow to South Korea’s political stability, putting the country at the nadir of a leadership divide.
The double impeachment is certainly an unprecedented occasion in the Korean context; it has not helped in increasing public trust in institutions. Opponents have cited that such an incident is a blot on the image of South Korea at the international level, especially during this era when the country needs to forge strong partnerships and economic cooperation in a region that is gradually turning into a powder keg.
The opposition party criticized Han for making insufficient effort to steer the government during the transition and poorly handling the consequences of President Yoon’s contentious policies. Party functionaries of the ruling party have, however, described the imposition as a political ploy intended to cement opposition dominance.
The instability in South Korea’s political arena has behavioural implications concerning economic effects and stretched diplomatic relations. Pundits are wondering how the country will come out of this crisis form, with critical areas of security, trade and relations with other countries becoming matters of debate.
Suspended, both the president and the acting leader are impeached, which devolves the task of running the nation to lower cadres, raising more questions on governance and leadership in the coming months. The societal turbulence may have long-term effects on the amalgamation of South Korean democracy as well as the status of the nation on the international plane.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates