South Korea’s impeached PM reinstated as acting president

South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled on Monday to reinstate Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s powers, marking the latest twist in the country’s turbulent politics after his impeachment as acting president more than two months ago.

Han took over as acting leader from president Yoon Suk-yeol, who was himself impeached over his short-lived declaration of martial law last year. Following the ruling, Han returns to his acting president position immediately.

Prime Minister Han lasted less than two weeks in the post and was impeached and suspended on December 27 after clashing with the opposition-led parliament by refusing to appoint three more justices to the Constitutional Court.

The justices on the court ruled seven to one to strike down the impeachment.

Out of the eight justices, five said that the impeachment motion against Han was valid, but there were not enough grounds to impeach him as he did not violate the constitution or South Korean law concerning the martial law announcement or potential insurrection, according to a court statement.

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South Korean prosecutors indict impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol over martial law

South Korean prosecutors indict impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol over martial law

Two justices ruled that the impeachment motion against Han, who was acting president at the time, was invalid from the start as two-thirds of lawmakers in parliament did not pass it.