South Korea's Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Monday (Mar 24), and restored his powers. Han has been reinstated as acting president — a role he was given after suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law. Han was impeached by the lawmakers in December, just weeks after he assumed the role. 

Advertisment

"Han's impeachment was dismissed in a 5-1 vote by the court's eight justices. Two justices voted to reject the impeachment motion entirely," Yonhap news agency reported. 

Also read: US-Ukraine hold talks in Riyadh as US envoy expresses optimism on ending war before Russia meeting

The agency also reported that Han was back to work, attended a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at the government complex in Seoul on Monday and discuss measures to deal with wildfires in the country's southeastern region. 

Advertisment

The court ruling for Han is the latest episode in South Korea's ongoing political crisis, which began after Yoon's December 3 attempt to subvert civilian rule. 

Also read: Israeli kills top Hamas official Ismail Barhoum in targeted airstrike at Gaza's Nasser hospital

He was then impeached by the opposition-controlled parliament and his replacement Han just weeks later. Lawmakers cited Han's refusal to appoint more judges to the Constitutional Court plus his purported role in the martial law debacle. 

Advertisment

According to local broadcaster YTN, the court decision on Monday "explained that not certifying nominees is illegal, but not enough to warrant dismissal," in its decision to throw out Han's impeachment. 

YTN also said that the court "found no evidence of (Han's) role" at meetings related to planning the martial law declaration. 

Also read: 'So America can own us': Canadian PM Carney accuses Trump of trying to 'break Canada'

Han thanked Court 

Han thanked the Constitutional Court for its "wise decision". "I believe that all citizens are clearly speaking out against the highly polarised political sphere. I think there is no place for division now. Our country's priority is to move forward," he added. 

Also read: Israel’s cabinet turns on attorney general in no-confidence vote amid political turmoil

(With inputs from agencies)