South Korea opposition will not seek to impeach acting president over martial law

South Korea’s main opposition party has decided not to impeach acting president Han Duck Soo, providing a critical lifeline to the country’s leadership amid continuing political upheaval over Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived declaration of martial law.

- NAMITA SINGH

The news comes amid reports that Mr Yoon did not comply with a summons from prosecutors yesterday. The authorities plan to issue another order as they investigate the martial law decree, the Yonhap news agency reported. The Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, stated that further impeachment efforts could destabilise governance and deepen national “confusion”.

“Given that the prime minister has already been confirmed as acting president and considering that excessive impeachments could lead to confusion in national governance, we have decided not to proceed with impeachment procedures,” said Democratic Party leader Lee Jae Myung in a statement yesterday. This decision came a day after President Yoon’s impeachment, following his 3 December martial law decree, which was overturned by parliament after just six hours.

The crisis has raised alarm domestically and internationally, with allies and markets seeking assurances of stability. Mr Han, a seasoned bureaucrat elevated to the role under constitutional provisions, moved swiftly to reassure South Korea’s partners and maintain the country’s diplomatic and economic footing.

Mr Han held a phone call with US president Joe Biden yesterday to discuss the unfolding situation and regional security concerns, including North Korea’s nuclear threat. According to statements from both governments, Mr Biden reaffirmed the “iron-clad commitment” of the US to South Korea, expressing confidence in the resilience of its democratic institutions.

“South Korea will carry out its foreign and security policies without disruption and strive to ensure the South Korea-US alliance is maintained and developed steadfastly,” Mr Han said in a statement issued by his office. He also convened cabinet and National Security Council meetings, directing military readiness to prevent provocations from North Korea and tasking ministers with mitigating the economic fallout from the political turmoil.