Acting president Han of ROK impeached

SEOUL — The Republic of Korea's parliament impeached acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday, less than two weeks after suspending President Yoon Sukyeol's powers over his short-lived declaration of martial law, plunging the country deeper into political chaos.

Han has been the acting president since Yoon was impeached on Dec 14 for declaring martial law on Dec 3.

In a statement 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 said.

He added he would await the decision of the Constitutional Court to review the impeachment motion. The ruling People Power Party, which has objected to the opposition-led impeachment of Han, said it had filed a constitutional petition.

The motion led by opposition parties passed with 192 of the 300 votes amid rowdy scenes by ruling People Power Party members who surrounded the speaker's podium, chanting that the vote was invalid and parliament had committed "tyranny".

It was the first time in the country's modern history that an impeachment motion against an acting president was put to a vote and passed in the National Assembly.

The plan for a vote to impeach Han was unveiled on Thursday by the Democratic Party after he declined to immediately appoint three justices to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, saying it would exceed his acting role.

Finance Minister Choi Sangmok, who assumed the position of acting president while the cases of Yoon and Han are considered by the Constitutional Court, convened the National Security Council, spoke with key officials including military leaders and vowed to do everything in his power to stabilize state affairs.

Earlier, Choi had pleaded unsuccessfully with parliament to withdraw the plan to impeach Han, saying it would do serious damage to the economy.

The Korean won was down 0.5 percent at 1,477.0 per US dollar on Friday, after hitting a more than 15-year low of 1,486.7 ahead of the vote.

Economic trouble

There was a chance the country would plunge into economic trouble comparable to its devastating financial crisis of the late 1990s, said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University.

Ahead of the parliamentary session, opposition leader Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party, which has majority control of parliament, accused Han of "acting for insurrection".

The vote to determine Han's fate comes on the same day the Constitutional Court held its first hearing in a case reviewing whether to overturn the impeachment and reinstate Yoon or remove him permanently from office. It has 180 days to reach a decision, during which Yoon's presidential power is suspended.

The pretrial hearing began on Friday afternoon to let legal representatives of both Yoon and the National Assembly submit the lists of witnesses and evidence and adjust dates for future proceedings.

The National Assembly was represented by the chief of the legislation and judiciary committee and other lawyers, while Yoon's side appointed a team of defense counsels hours before the hearing.

Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspect in connection with insurrection charges, insisted that his martial law declaration was an act of governance.

Justice Cheong Hyung-sik said the court would move swiftly in the case considering its gravity, denying a request by Yoon's lawyers for a postponement in proceedings to better prepare for it.

There has been overwhelming public support for Yoon's removal, according to opinion polls conducted after his martial law attempt.

The next hearing is due on Jan 3.

To oust Yoon from office, at least six out of nine Constitutional Court justices are required to uphold the impeachment motion.

Yoon was not required to attend Friday's hearing. One lawyer representing the impeached president told reporters that Yoon planned to appear in person in the future.

If Yoon is ousted, a new presidential election would be held within 60 days.

Agencies - Xinhua