Acting South Korean President Han Duck-Soo is Impeached

Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo was impeached by South Korea’s Parliament and its opposing party on Friday. 

The Details: The impeachment leaves Han suspended, along with President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached less than two weeks ago. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Choi Sang-mok, will now serve as the country’s interim president. “The most important thing right now is to minimize the confusion in state affairs,” he said after taking up his appointment. 

For Context: Yoon’s impeachment followed his controversial declaration of martial law. Han’s impeachment is likely due to his refusal to appoint judges to fill the Constitutional Court and vote on Yoon’s removal. He claimed his refusal was due to ongoing disagreements that an acting president has the power to do so. There is also disagreement as to whether an overall majority or two-thirds majority is needed to remove an acting president. 

How the Media Covered It: Media outlets across the spectrum covered both the political and economic implications of the recent impeachments, highlighting both criticisms and support; though, it is important to note that South Korea's ideological spectrum differs from that of the U.S. Some outlets also highlighted that now-Acting President Choi was against the most recent impeachment.