South Korea's acting president, Han Duck-soo, moved quickly on Sunday to reassure allies and stabilize markets, pledging continuity in governance and security following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over a controversial martial law declaration.
South Korea's acting president, Han Duck-soo, moved swiftly on Sunday to reassure allies and calm financial markets following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over a controversial martial law declaration. Speaking with U.S. President Joe Biden, Han emphasized continuity in foreign and security policies, underscoring the steadfastness of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
The Democratic Party, which controls parliament, announced it would not seek Han's impeachment despite his connection to Yoon's martial law decision, citing the need to avoid further governance instability. As acting president, Han pledged to maintain military readiness and uphold national security.
Protests erupted in Seoul, with around 200,000 people demonstrating outside the National Assembly to support Yoon’s ouster, while smaller groups gathered in central Seoul to voice opposition to the impeachment. Public sentiment remains deeply divided, with critics accusing Yoon of undermining democracy and supporters lamenting political chaos.
The impeachment has drawn international attention amid rising tensions with North Korea. Biden reaffirmed U.S. support, praising South Korea's democratic resilience and emphasizing the importance of the alliance in maintaining Indo-Pacific stability.
Financial markets have reacted cautiously, with South Korean shares rising on hopes of political stabilization. The Constitutional Court now has six months to decide Yoon’s fate. If removed, new elections must be held within 60 days, leaving the country in a protracted period of uncertainty.
In the meantime, Han’s administration faces economic challenges, including sluggish domestic demand and a political deadlock over the national budget. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung called for a supplementary budget and a National Stability Council to address economic concerns, including support for small businesses and energy infrastructure investment.
The unfolding political crisis has tested South Korea’s institutions, with acting President Han seen as a steadying figure. However, the coming months will determine whether the nation can navigate these challenges while maintaining stability at home and abroad.
South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday to attend the second hearing in his ongoing criminal trial, where he faces serious charges of insurrection.
South Korea aims to delay new U.S. tariffs, prioritizing economic stability amid trade tensions. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok emphasized the importance of reducing uncertainty for export industries, while ongoing talks with the U.S. seek a mutually beneficial resolution.
South Korea and Vietnam agreed on Monday to deepen economic cooperation and accelerate joint efforts to mitigate the impact of looming U.S. tariffs, following a ministerial meeting in Hanoi.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol returned to his private home on Friday from the official residence after his removal from office, with crowds of supporters turning out to greet his motorcade.
South Korea has formally established diplomatic relations with Syria, closing a decades-long gap and opening a new chapter in its global diplomacy.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Algeria on April 20-21 for high-level strategic talks, according to diplomatic sources.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday for talks that the Vatican described as "cordial," following ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter, set to last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday his plan to reclassify approximately 50,000 federal workers under a new category, "Schedule Policy/Career," which would make it easier to fire civil servants who do not align with his administration's policy agenda.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order early Saturday blocking the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members from Texas under the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law from 1798.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a phone conversation on Saturday to discuss ongoing efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
Elon Musk announced on Saturday that he plans to visit India later this year, following a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about potential collaboration in technology and innovation.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman is scheduled to visit Moscow on Monday, just days after the commencement of a new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks mediated by Muscat.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday for talks that the Vatican described as "cordial," following ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter, set to last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Algeria on April 20-21 for high-level strategic talks, according to diplomatic sources.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday for talks that the Vatican described as "cordial," following ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter, set to last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday his plan to reclassify approximately 50,000 federal workers under a new category, "Schedule Policy/Career," which would make it easier to fire civil servants who do not align with his administration's policy agenda.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order early Saturday blocking the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members from Texas under the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law from 1798.
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