- Constitutional Court overturns PM Han's impeachment in 7-1 decision
- Ruling exposes legal weaknesses in opposition's impeachment strategy
- Yoon's fate remains uncertain with separate impeachment trial ongoing
- Successive leadership suspensions created diplomatic and economic instability
- Court vacancy appointments emerge as critical political battleground
South Korea's political landscape faces unprecedented upheaval as the Constitutional Court's reinstatement of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo amplifies tensions between conservative and liberal factions. The 7-1 ruling found insufficient legal grounds for Han's December impeachment, citing procedural flaws in the National Assembly's motion. This decision comes amid intense scrutiny of the court's impending verdict on President Yoon Suk Yeol's separate impeachment related to his controversial martial law declaration.
Analysts note the PM's reinstatement temporarily stabilizes government operations but does little to resolve the constitutional crisis. Acting President Choi Sang-mok cedes authority back to Han, who immediately addressed urgent economic challenges including U.S. trade pressures and supply chain disruptions. The leadership vacuum had previously delayed crucial FTA renegotiations, with export-driven industries reporting $420 million in projected losses according to KITA estimates.
Regional parallels emerge when comparing this crisis to Thailand's 2014 political deadlock, where competing power centers paralyzed decision-making. Unlike Southeast Asian counterparts, however, South Korea's robust institutions demonstrate remarkable resilience - the KOSPI index regained 2.3% following Han's reinstatement announcement.
Public sentiment remains sharply divided, with recent Gallup Korea polls showing 47% support for upholding Yoon's impeachment versus 43% opposition. Street protests in Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square have drawn 120,000 participants weekly since January, reflecting deepening societal fractures. Security analysts warn the prolonged instability could embolden North Korean cyber operations targeting vulnerable sectors.
The Constitutional Court's delayed ruling on Yoon's case now becomes the crisis' focal point. With six votes required for impeachment confirmation, the court's current eight-member composition creates mathematical uncertainty. Han's earlier refusal to fill vacancies - and successor Choi's partial appointments - drew accusations of partisan maneuvering from opposition legislators.
Legal experts highlight the case's global significance as democracies worldwide grapple with executive overreach. Yale Law School's East Asia Center director notes: 'South Korea's adherence to constitutional checks during this crisis sets crucial precedent for developing nations balancing stability and accountability.'
