The Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Monday, ruling in his favor in the impeachment trial. He returned to work 87 days after being suspended from his duties on Dec. 27 following the passage of a motion in the National Assembly to impeach him. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) initiated the motion, citing several reasons, including his alleged collaboration with President Yoon Suk Yeol's Dec. 3 martial law declaration, as well as his refusal to appoint three Constitutional Court justices approved by the Assembly.
The top court’s decision delivered a warning to the DPK, which has been criticized for abusing the impeachment process against government officials. The court’s recent string of decisions, clearing officials and ordering them to return to work, highlights this backlash.
The ruling on Han was timely, coming at a moment when another leadership void seemed imminent. The DPK had threatened to impeach then-acting President Choi Sang-mok for his refusal to appoint a Constitutional Court justice. Han’s return to his duties as both prime minister and acting president helped prevent further chaos in the government.
Han’s reinstatement signals Korea's efforts to return to normalcy amid tough external challenges coupled with persisting political turmoil. He now faces a range of policy challenges, particularly following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump in January. Trump’s aggressive trade policy and "America First" initiative have left Korea, like many other countries, vulnerable. The situation in Korea was especially dire due to political instability following the suspension of Yoon's presidential powers.
Although Han is back as acting president, he faces calls to leverage his expertise in trade and his previous experience as Korea’s ambassador to the U.S. to help steer the country's economy and diplomacy back on track. Han must also work closely with high-ranking U.S. officials and decision-makers to formulate an effective strategy for addressing North Korea.
The Constitutional Court’s decision to reinstate Han has sparked contrasting reactions from the rival parties.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) celebrated the decision, calling it a historic ruling that restored justice. “The verdict shows that in politics, there is a clear line that must not be crossed under any circumstances. It’s a warning to never attempt to use the Constitution for political purposes,” PPP spokesman Rep. Shin Dong-uk said.
Meanwhile, the DPK expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling. Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition, reacted sarcastically, claiming that he feared the Korean public would remain confused about the court's decision to clear the prime minister. “I wonder how many Koreans will be convinced by the court’s decision that gave the green light to Han, who failed to fulfill his duty to fill the nine-member Constitutional Court,” he said.
Lee's response was particularly pointed as the results of Han’s impeachment trial were seen as a litmus test for Yoon's fate. The court is expected to deliver a verdict on the president soon, though it has yet to announce a date.
Lee is also awaiting a ruling on his alleged violations of the election law. In a district court ruling from November, he was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years. He has appealed the decision. If the appellate court upholds the district court's ruling, Lee would lose his Assembly seat and be disqualified from running in elections for 10 years.
As a series of key verdicts are expected to reshape the political landscape, concerns are growing about political polarization, which has already deepened and divided the nation into two camps — those supporting the impeachment of Yoon and those opposing it.
What is particularly concerning is that both political parties are encouraging their supporters to fight on. In a crowded rally held in central Seoul over the weekend, some senior members of the PPP urged protesters to keep fighting until they succeed. They described Yoon as being engaged in a war against anti-state forces and called for supporters to join the battle.
Similarly, the DPK encouraged its supporters who took to the streets to do everything in their power to oust the president from office.
It is crucial for both groups of protesters to avoid extreme actions, clashes and violence. Once the court delivers its verdict on Yoon’s impeachment trial, all parties should respect the decision and move forward.