S. Korean opposition party considering initiating impeachment proceedings against the President
South Korea's primary opposition party issued a warning on Monday, indicating they would move to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo should he neglect to enact legislation initiating a special counsel probe into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unsuccessful attempt to enforce martial law.
According to Reuters, President Han has assumed leadership following the suspension of Yoon, who was impeached on December 14. Yoon’s fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which is set to decide on his potential removal from office.
The opposition Democratic Party, wielding its parliamentary majority, successfully passed legislation this month to appoint a special counsel. The initiative aims to pursue insurrection charges and additional allegations against the conservative figure Yoon. Furthermore, the investigation will extend to examining accusations involving Yoon’s wife, particularly focusing on a luxury handbag scandal among other claims.
The party has leveled accusations against Han for allegedly assisting Yoon in his purported martial law attempt, subsequently reporting him to the authorities. It has further declared its intention to “immediately commence impeachment proceedings” against the acting president should the legislation not be enacted by the Tuesday deadline.
In a recent statement at a party meeting, Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae asserted that the ongoing delays indicate the prime minister’s unwillingness to adhere to constitutional obligations. Park further suggested that these actions effectively acknowledge the prime minister’s role as a representative for the insurgent, alluding to Yoon.
Han, a seasoned technocrat with three decades of experience in South Korean politics, has served in leadership capacities under both conservative and liberal administrations. In 2022, he was appointed Prime Minister by President Yoon.
Attempts to reach Han’s office for comment were unsuccessful. Han had previously stated that he attempted to prevent Yoon’s declaration of martial law and has since apologized for his inability to stop it.
Park has leveled accusations against Yoon, alleging that he has obstructed proceedings at the Constitutional Court trial by consistently declining to acknowledge court documents.
Park asserted that postponing the investigation and impeachment proceedings effectively prolongs the insurrection and constitutes a conspiracy to orchestrate a second uprising.
A collaborative team comprising police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials has scheduled a second attempt to summon Mr. Yoon for questioning on December 25. However, it remains uncertain if he will comply with the request and appear for the session.
On Monday, Woo Jong-soo, the head of investigations for the National Police Agency, informed parliament that police efforts to conduct a raid on Yoon’s office had been thwarted on two occasions by the presidential security service, which refused them access. Woo stated that his team had issued a request to secure the preservation of evidence, specifically targeting a secure phone server.
