South Korean court reinstates Han Duck-soo as acting president

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been reinstated as South Korea’s acting president after the Constitutional Court struck down his impeachment in a seven-to-one ruling.

Han, who briefly held the position before being suspended in December, pledged to stabilise the country and prioritise national interests amid rising tensions over US trade policies.

The court’s decision returns Han to power during a time of heightened political instability, sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law last year.

Yoon’s actions led to mass protests and a wave of impeachments, resignations, and criminal charges across the political spectrum.

While Yoon awaits a separate ruling and trial over charges of leading an insurrection, Han expressed gratitude to the court and vowed to put an end to ‘extreme confrontation in politics.’

As one of South Korea’s most experienced officials, Han’s return is seen as a move towards continuity in governance. He has served under five presidents from both major parties and is regarded as a figure capable of bridging political divides.

Despite opposition criticism that he failed to prevent Yoon’s martial law move, Han denied any wrongdoing and has committed to guiding South Korea through external economic challenges, especially those posed by the United States.

The court’s pending decision on President Yoon’s fate remains a focal point of national attention. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party and a potential successor, has urged the court to act swiftly to end the uncertainty.

With rallies continuing across the country both in favour of and against Yoon, the outcome could trigger a snap election within 60 days if the president is removed.

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