Seoul: South Korea's political landscape is witnessing escalating tensions as rival parties await the Constitutional Court's delayed verdict on whether to uphold the impeachment of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol concerning the Dec. 3 martial law declaration. The delay has exacerbated political strife, with the impeachment decision pending for nearly four months.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rep. Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, has called on Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo to appoint the remaining Constitutional Court justice, Ma Eun-hyuk, who was nominated by the opposition-led National Assembly. Park has warned that failure to fulfill this constitutional duty by April 1 could lead to a "grave decision," speculated to be another impeachment move against Han.
The situation intensified when a group of newly elected Democratic Party lawmakers threatened a "twin impeachment" of both Han and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok if they refuse to appoint justice nominee Ma, despite a prior ruling from the Constitutional Court on Feb. 27, which deemed the appointment as their duty. The lawmakers have further vowed to impeach other Cabinet ministers in succession should they also neglect to appoint the justice.
The political climate became more charged after the Constitutional Court recently rejected Han's impeachment but noted his constitutional violation by not appointing the justices. The opposition, holding a majority in the National Assembly, has already proposed 30 impeachment bills against Yoon administration officials, successfully pushing through 13. Nonetheless, the Constitutional Court has rejected all nine cases it has heard thus far.
In response, Rep. Kweon Seong-dong of the ruling People Power Party indicated plans to file complaints against Democratic Party lawmakers, accusing them of conspiring and instigating insurrection. Additionally, there are calls within the party for the Constitutional Court to rule the Democratic Party "unconstitutional" and order its disbandment.
The Democratic Party's impeachment warnings arise amid concerns that the Constitutional Court might dismiss or indefinitely delay Yoon's impeachment verdict. Speculation suggests that the delayed verdict is due to a lack of consensus among the justices, with at least three of the current eight opposing Yoon's impeachment. A minimum of six justices must consent for the court to approve impeachment.
The situation is further complicated by the impending expiration of terms for two justices, Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-son, on April 18, raising questions about the timing of the court's decision. The ongoing delay has fueled speculation and deepened the political turmoil.
It is imperative for the Constitutional Court to deliver its ruling promptly and impartially to prevent further political instability. The prolonged uncertainty is contributing to mounting chaos and strife, underscoring the need for a resolution to restore political order.