The Democratic Party has threatened to initiate impeachment proceedings against Khan if he does not promptly approve the appointment of constitutional judges. The parliament voted for three candidates on Thursday, but they have yet to be officially appointed by Khan. He previously stated that he would not appoint judges until the ruling and opposition camps reach a political compromise.
"It has become clear that Prime Minister and acting President Khan Dok Soo lacks both the qualifications and the will to uphold the Constitution," stated the leader of the Democratic Party faction in parliament, Pak Chan Dae.
If Khan is impeached, the Minister of Finance will assume the role of acting president.
On December 14, the South Korean parliament, through a vote, supported the impeachment of the country's president, Yoon Suk Yeol. The Constitutional Court has 180 days to determine whether to permanently remove him from office or restore his powers.
The issue of impeachment was raised in parliament after Yoon Suk Yeol announced a state of emergency "to combat internal supporters of North Korea" on December 3. The decree, which lasted six hours, prohibited the operation of political parties, protests, and strikes, imposed censorship, and established military field tribunals with the authority to impose the death penalty. This sparked massive protests both on the streets of Seoul and in parliament. During the military's storming of the building, lawmakers voted to overturn the president's decision. Following this, he was legally compelled to rescind the decree.
Yoon Suk Yeol rejected accusations of insurrection and stated that the declaration of a state of emergency was a "deeply considered political decision." He also dismissed calls for his resignation and accused the opposition of abusing impeachment processes.
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