South Korea’s Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, restoring his powers in a landmark 7-1 ruling that marks another dramatic twist in the nation's ongoing political crisis. The 75-year-old veteran politician was suspended on December 27 after defying an opposition-led parliament by refusing to appoint three new Constitutional Court justices. Lawmakers also accused him of failing to stop President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise martial law declaration on December 3.
Han, who briefly served as acting president following Yoon’s impeachment, denied any involvement in the six-hour martial law incident, which drew international backlash and alarmed allies like the United States. Despite opposition pressure, Han maintained his stance at a February 19 hearing, calling for the court to reject the charges. The court ultimately agreed, paving the way for his return.
Han’s long career, spanning roles under five different presidents across party lines, had earned him a reputation as a stabilizing figure. However, recent months have seen his image tested amid accusations of obstructing justice appointments and refusing to support special counsel bills aimed at investigating President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon Hee.
During the legal proceedings, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok acted as interim leader. The impeachment saga unfolded during a politically volatile period in South Korea, with parliamentarians even scaling fences to block Yoon’s brief martial law effort.
This ruling is likely to reshape the power dynamics ahead of key elections, reigniting debates over executive power, judicial independence, and constitutional accountability in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.