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President Yoon Suk Yeol impeached. What's next?

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Rep. Park Chan-dae of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea delivers a speech during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, Saturday, ahead of the impeachment vote against President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Rep. Park Chan-dae of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea delivers a speech during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, Saturday, ahead of the impeachment vote against President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

By Kwak Yeon-soo

The National Assembly voted, Saturday, in favor of impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol for his unexpected declaration of martial law, which many believe violated the Constitution and other laws.

As a result of the vote, Yoon is immediately suspended from office, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming the role of acting president.

However, this does not mean the president will be permanently removed from office, as the Constitutional Court will review whether to uphold or reject the Assembly's decision.

Graphics by Korea Times

Graphics by Korea Times

The court has up to 180 days to make a final ruling. If upheld by the court, Yoon would be removed from office and a new presidential election will be held within 60 days.

The court made a decision to impeach former President Park Geun-hye on March 10, 2017, 91 days after the Assembly voted to oust her.

However, if the court overturns the impeachment vote, Yoon will be reinstated and will return to duty.

The 75-year-old Han has served as prime minister since the beginning of the Yoon administration, and will now serve as acting president. He also served as prime minister during the Roh Moo-hyun administration from April 2007 to February 2008.

Han has extensive expertise in economics, trade, and public affairs, with over 40 years of experience in the public sector. He has held positions at the customs agency, the trade ministry, and the finance ministry, and was also previously appointed as ambassador to the United States.

However, Han is also under investigation due to his attendance at the Cabinet meeting held just minutes before Yoon declared martial law. He is set to appear for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation into Yoon's treason charges.

Kwak Yeon-soo yeons.kwak@koreatimes.co.kr


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