In a landmark decision, South Korea's Constitutional Court on Monday, March 24, 2025, overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as the nation’s acting president. This ruling comes amid ongoing political turmoil in South Korea, with the court yet to announce its verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, which could further deepen the political divide in the country.

Backdrop of the Crisis
The political crisis unfolded after President Yoon Suk Yeol, a conservative leader, was impeached by the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly following his December 3 imposition of martial law that triggered mass protests and plunged the nation into a political crisis. Following Yoon’s impeachment, Han Duck-soo assumed the role of acting president but was subsequently impeached by lawmakers in late December, intensifying domestic divisions.

During the period of uncertainty, Choi Sang-mok, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, temporarily took over as the acting president. The unprecedented impeachment of both the president and the prime minister raised concerns about the stability of South Korea’s diplomatic and economic activities, as well as its standing in the global arena.

Court Ruling on Han’s Impeachment
On Monday, the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of Han Duck-soo, with seven of the eight justices voting to overturn or dismiss his impeachment. The court cited the following reasons for its decision:

• The accusations against Han were either not illegal or did not constitute serious misconduct that warranted his removal.

• The impeachment motion against Han did not meet the required quorum when it was passed by the National Assembly.

Only one justice voted to uphold Han’s impeachment. To sustain an impeachment, a minimum of six justices must support the motion. Since the required threshold was not met, Han was reinstated as acting president and will continue to serve in that capacity until a verdict is delivered in Yoon’s case.

Han Duck-soo’s Response to Reinstatement
Following the court’s ruling, Han Duck-soo addressed the media and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the country’s most pressing challenges. He highlighted the importance of navigating South Korea’s changing global trade environment, likely in reference to the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies.

Han also called for national unity, stating:
“There is no left or right — what matters is the advancement of our nation.”

Han’s reinstatement is expected to energize the conservative base and potentially fuel further political pushback against the opposition, as reported by the Associated Press (AP). However, the situation remains fluid as South Korea awaits the court’s decision on Yoon’s fate.

No Verdict Yet on Yoon Suk Yeol’s Impeachment
The Constitutional Court has yet to announce its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. If the court upholds Yoon’s impeachment, South Korea would be required to hold a new presidential election. However, if the court rules in favor of Yoon, he will be restored to office and regain full presidential powers.

Yoon’s Arrest and Charges
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Yoon was arrested and charged with rebellion in connection with his martial law decree. If convicted, he faces the death penalty or a life sentence. On March 8, Yoon was released from prison after a Seoul district court allowed him to stand trial without being detained.

The imposition of martial law by Yoon had triggered widespread public outrage and protests, with earlier surveys indicating that a majority of South Koreans were critical of Yoon’s decision. However, in recent weeks, support for Yoon’s conservative base has gained momentum, leading to massive rival rallies across Seoul and other major cities, highlighting the deep divisions within South Korean society.

Political Polarization and National Division
South Korea’s political landscape has become deeply polarized, with pro-Yoon and anti-Yoon factions clashing on the streets. The conflicting narratives have further fueled public distrust in the political establishment, while the prolonged uncertainty has stalled policy-making and economic reforms.

Observers caution that the court’s final decision on Yoon’s impeachment could significantly alter the country’s political trajectory. If Yoon is restored to power, his return could embolden his supporters and lead to a conservative resurgence, while his removal could trigger snap elections and an opposition-led government.

Impact on Diplomatic and Economic Stability
The ongoing political uncertainty has already had economic repercussions, with investors adopting a wait-and-see approach amid concerns over the country’s stability. South Korea’s diplomatic relations with key partners, including the United States and Japan, have also been impacted by the domestic upheaval.

As the nation grapples with these challenges, all eyes remain on the Constitutional Court as it prepares to issue its verdict on Yoon’s impeachment—a decision that could reshape South Korea’s political landscape and define its trajectory for years to come.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Arisinfra Solutions Limited,Identixweb Limited,Retaggio Industries Limited,Infonative Solutions Limited.

The Current active IPO are ATC Energies System Limited, Shri Ahimsa Naturals Limited,Desco Infratech Limited,Rapid Fleet Management Services, Active Infrastructures Limited.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.