Newscasts - South Korean court reinstates PM Han Duck-soo as acting president
24/03/2025 08:42
Click the following link to watch video: https://share.newscasts.refinitiv.com/link?entryId=1_ttv5rzuu&referenceId=tag:reuters.com,2025:newsml_RW115224032025RP1_K15&pageId=Newscasts Source: 'Reuters - General news videos' Description: South Korea's Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to the post of acting president on Monday (March 24), striking down his impeachment as he pledged to focus on steering Asia's fourth-biggest economy through a U.S. "trade war." Nyima Pratten reports. Short Link: https://refini.tv/4kS0Xbp Video Transcript: In the latest turn in South Korea's political turmoil, the country's Constitutional Court reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president on Monday. He had taken over as acting leader from President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached over briefly imposing martial law in December. Han only lasted two weeks in the job before he was himself impeached and suspended. Speaking after the court's dismissal, Han turned to the threat of potential tariffs on South Korea from US President Donald Trump. As acting president, I will put all my efforts to maintain a stable administration in accordance with the Constitution and laws, and I will use every wisdom and ability to securing Korea’s national interests amid the trade war that has already become a reality. The ruling immediately returns Han to power, after months of political chaos in the country. He thanked the court for its "wise decision" and the cabinet for their hard work during his suspension. Yoon's martial law declaration plunged the key U.S. military ally into its greatest political crisis in decades. It led to a leadership vacuum amid spiraling impeachments, resignations, and criminal indictments for a range of top officials. Han's impeachment came after clashing with the opposition-led parliament. In the coming days, the Constitutional Court is expected to make a decision on Yoon's impeachment, and if he is removed, an election will be held within 60 days. In the months since Yoon declared martial law, South Korea has been bracing for the potential impact from a range of Trump tariffs. Earlier this month, Trump singled out South Korea for applying high tariffs on US exports. It's already been slapped with duties on steel and aluminum and has been seeking an exemption from the reciprocal US levies set to come next month.