South Korea has transitioned from a military dictatorship to a pro-business democracy but has faced ongoing issues of corruption and political vendettas.
Acting President Han Duck-soo was impeached after President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose approval rating fell below 20%, faced growing opposition and scandals.
Yoon’s government has been paralyzed since 2022, with the Democratic Party controlling the National Assembly, deepening the political divide.
Yoon declared martial law in 2024, sparking protests and raising fears of a return to authoritarianism.
Han's impeachment is the first of an interim leader, centered on his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court.
The Constitution requires a 6-3 vote from the Constitutional Court to remove an impeached president, but political gridlock has delayed progress.
This crisis threatens democratic stability and exacerbates economic and security challenges, especially with North Korea's rising threats.
A prolonged deadlock could empower anti-democratic forces and weaken South Korea’s political institutions.
The acting president must focus on resolving the judicial appointments and expediting Yoon’s impeachment to restore stability.
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