South Korea’s main opposition party plans to introduce a bill to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo on Thursday. They aim to hold a vote on the impeachment on Friday. This decision could worsen the country’s constitutional crisis, which arose from a brief martial law declaration.
The opposition Democratic Party had previously warned that they would pursue impeachment if Han did not promptly appoint three justices to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court. Earlier on Thursday, Parliament approved three nominees, but Han has yet to formally appoint them.
The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law on December 3.
Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae stated that it is evident Han lacks the qualifications and the willingness to uphold the Constitution.
If Han is impeached, the finance minister will take over as acting president. Although the Democratic Party holds majority control in parliament, there is a disagreement between parties and some constitutional scholars regarding whether a simple majority or a two-thirds vote is necessary for impeachment.
Earlier on Thursday, Han said he would not appoint the justices until there was political agreement on their appointments. He argued that proceeding without a consensus would disrupt constitutional order. Of the three nominees approved by Parliament, two were proposed by the Democratic Party, and one was nominated by Han’s ruling People Power Party. The ruling party disagreed with this division, claiming they did not consent to it.
Han faces pressure to make appointments, but political parties disagree on whether he has the authority to do so as acting president.
The court will hold its first hearing on Friday to determine whether to remove Yoon or reinstate him.
According to the constitution, six justices must agree to remove an impeached president. This means the current justices must vote unanimously to remove Yoon. The court has stated that it can deliberate without the full bench.
Yoon, who parliament impeached on December 14 with support from some members of his centre-right party, has not submitted the legal documents requested by the court as of Thursday. Court spokesperson Lee Jean informed the media during a briefing about this situation.
On Wednesday, Yoon did not respond to the latest summons for questioning in a separate criminal investigation.
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