South Korea

Han Duck-soo Steps In as South Korea’s Acting President

Han Duck-soo’s leadership during a political crisis; his knowledge of the economy and diplomacy is vital at this time.

With South Korea’s government in chaos, Han Duck-soo is in charge.

Knowledge of economics and diplomacy is essential for the position of actor.

In the wake of Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, South Korea’s prime minister, Han Duck-soo, has assumed the position of acting president.

Han is a seasoned technocrat and his vast knowledge and logical thinking should make him an asset in his new position. After Yoon’s failed effort to impose martial rule, an impeachment vote was carried against him.

As a result, Yoon is no longer allowed to exercise presidential powers, and Han must now take over by the constitution.

During the worst political crisis in four decades, Han—an unusual official whose career crosses party lines—must preserve government effectiveness while simultaneously confronting nuclear-armed North Korea, a sluggish economy, and other challenges.

The declaration of martial rule has clouded his tenure as acting president, leading to ongoing criminal investigations. Han, who is 75 years old, has served in senior capacities under the administrations of five presidents, spanning the liberal and conservative spectrum.

After serving as finance minister, trade minister, prime minister, and ambassador to the OECD, he went on to serve as ambassador to the United States.

Han, a South Korean political mainstay with a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard, is well-known for his knowledge of the economy, commerce, and diplomacy, as well as his reputation for reason and diligence.

Starting with Yoon’s term in 2022, Han has been the prime minister for the second time; he held the position under Roh Moo-hyun’s presidency.

Despite serving under several presidents, Yoon lauded Han’s competence and professionalism upon his appointment in 2022, drawing attention to Han’s nonpartisan attitude.

Until the Constitutional Court rules on whether Yoon should be removed or reinstated, Han will serve as interim president.

Han will remain in charge throughout the 60 days after Yoon’s removal, during which a presidential election must be conducted.

For failing to stop Yoon’s effort at instituting martial rule, the leading opposition Democratic Party has charged Han with a crime. If parliament decides to remove Han from office via impeachment, the finance minister will take over as acting president.

Though not explicitly stated in the constitution, most experts believe that the prime minister should only have the ability to avoid government paralysis when serving as president of South Korea.

On the other hand, some hold the view that the acting president has complete authority to carry out his duties as there are no clear limitations in the Constitution.

The ruling of the Constitutional Court and the possibility of elections will determine the length of time that Han will serve as acting president.

South Korea Wants Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun Arrested

As authorities try to arrest Kim Yong Hyun for claimed rebellion, investigations into the declaration of martial law continue.

Prosecutors want to arrest Kim Yong Hyun for working with Yoon to put in place the unpopular martial rule.

There are efforts underway to remove Yoon from office, which could lead to significant political turmoil and protests against his government.

The South Korean government wants to arrest former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun because they think he worked with President Yoon Suk Yeol to put martial law in place.

Despite its brief duration, the martial law marked a significant milestone as it was the first of its kind in over 40 years, sparking widespread riots and political turmoil.

That’s why Yoon and eight of his friends can’t leave the country, which is a first for a sitting South Korean president. Prosecutors are investigating whether their actions constitute rebellion.

The Seoul Central District Court will investigate the request to arrest Kim for allegedly supporting martial law and sending troops to prevent lawmakers from voting against it.

The National Assembly’s quick reaction stopped martial law from going into effect before dawn on December 4.

Kim admitted that he was to blame for the trouble he caused and begged for forgiveness from the soldiers who were involved.

If the arrest warrant is carried out, Kim could be charged with major crimes, such as rebellion, which could lead to the death sentence.

As part of parliamentary hearings, the head of the Army Special Warfare Command said that Kim told him to get in the way of lawmakers.

Opposing parties have become more vocal in their claims that the martial law order was illegal because the country was not at war.

Yoon’s speech focused on the need to get rid of “anti-state forces,” naming his leftist opponents as targets. It has worsened the political conflict between his government and the Democrats.

According to South Korean law, the only offenses a president can face are rebellion and treason. Yoon might face questions about martial law, but many believe the police wouldn’t actively pursue him due to potential issues with his security detail.

There have been efforts to impeach Yoon, and the Democratic Party is moving to file papers against him and other officials who are involved.

Yoon’s powers will remain limited until the Constitutional Court makes a decision. This could mean that there is a new presidential election.

FAQ

What led to the investigation into Kim Yong Hyun, who used to be Defense Minister?

The investigation began because of claims that people worked together with President Yoon to put in place illegal martial law last week.

How did the announcement of martial rule affect things?

There were protests, a short travel ban for Yoon’s friends and family, and more review of what the government did during martial rule.

How long did South Korea’s martial rule last?

According to a vote in the National Assembly, Yoon’s martial law ended about six hours after it started.

In terms of the law, what rights does President Yoon have regarding prosecution?

South Korean law says that Yoon can’t be charged with a crime while he is in office, unless he is accused of rebellion or treason.

What could happen if Yoon is removed from office?

Yoon would not be able to do his job as president until the Constitutional Court chooses whether to reinstate or remove him.

South Korea Is in Crisis : Yoon Suk Yeol’s Contentious Martial Law

South Korea is in a political crisis as President Yoon’s martial law provokes protests and legal challenges.

President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing rebellion charges after declaring martial rule.

Political upheaval worsens as opposition parties file impeachment procedures against him.

South Korea is in a political crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s temporary declaration of martial rule last week.

President Yoon Suk Yeol issued the decision last Tuesday, deploying armed special troops in Seoul, a move that sparked significant uproar and charges of unlawful behavior.

The Democratic Party, the largest opposition party, has condemned Yoon’s actions as an “illegal rebellion” and filed accusations against him and numerous officials, including former defense minister Kim Yong Hyun, who was imprisoned for reportedly advocating the martial rule proclamation.

Low support ratings and opposition-led challenges in Parliament have plagued Yoon’s presidency, which began in 2022, further exacerbating the already unstable situation.

In reaction to the martial law and related claims, authorities are proposing an international travel restriction for Yoon, which would limit his ability to leave the country while investigations continue.

Although South Korean presidents normally have legal immunity, this protection does not apply to major crimes such as insurrection or treason, creating concerns about Yoon’s political future.

Yoon publicly apologized for the edict and stressed his commitment to facing legal or political accountability. He denounced parliament as a “den of criminals” and threatened to eradicate perceived dangers to the state.

The outcry to his martial rule has only grown, with opposition parties threatening to expedite a fresh impeachment procedure.

Suspensions within the military have also occurred, with three senior commanders facing responsibility for their actions in the proclamation of martial rule.

The continuing investigations and public dissatisfaction signal that Yoon will have tremendous challenges as he navigates an unprecedented crisis, balancing legal commitments and striving to stabilize his government.

FAQ

1. “What caused the political crisis in South Korea?”

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial rule triggered significant demonstrations and criticism from opposition parties.

2. “What are the major allegations against President Yoon?”

Yoon faces accusations of insurrection and unconstitutional behavior associated with the imposition of martial rule.

3. “What legal repercussions may Yoon face?”

Yoon may face serious charges like insurrection and treason despite his protection as president.

4. How have the opposition parties reacted to Yoon’s actions?

Opposition parties have filed impeachment proceedings, arguing Yoon’s actions are unconstitutional and illegitimate.

5. “How has the military reacted?”

The Defense Ministry has suspended key officers participating in martial rule operations while inquiries into their acts continue.