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South Korea’s Acting President Impeached

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

SEOUL (Worthy News) – South Korea’s political crisis deepened Friday as the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo despite loud protests by governing party lawmakers.

The single-chamber National Assembly passed Han’s impeachment motion with a 192-0 vote, less than two weeks after suspending previous President Yoon Suk Yeol’s powers.

Observers said the impeachment of Han, the acting president since Yoon was impeached on December 14 for declaring martial law on December 3, pushed South Korea’s once-vibrant democratic success story into uncharted territory.

Lawmakers with the governing People Power Party boycotted the vote. They surrounded the podium where assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik was seated, shouting that the vote was”invalid” and demanding Woo’s resignation.

No violence or injuries were reported.

Han’s impeachment means he will be stripped of the president’s powers and duties until the Constitutional Court decides whether to dismiss or reinstate him.

Friday’s vote added to uncertainty over the political direction of the strategically located Asian nation. It is a key ally of the United States, which has 28,500 troops there, according to the U.S. Congressional Research Service obtained by Worthy News.

After the vote, Han said he was “saddened” by what the unfolding events “meant for the next generation” but accepted the outcome. “I respect parliament’s decision, and in order to avoid further chaos and uncertainty, I will suspend my duties in accordance with relevant laws,” he added.

He cautioned that he would await the Constitutional Court’s decision to review the impeachment motion.

The ruling People Power Party objected to Han’s opposition-led impeachment and said it had filed a constitutional petition.