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.
Investigations are ongoing after a fire broke out on an Air Busan Airbus at Gimhae Airport as it prepared for departure to Hong Kong. All passengers and crew were evacuated, with seven sustaining minor injuries. The incident follows South Korea’s deadliest air disaster last month.
South Korean authorities have released initial findings into the deadly Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people last month, but several key questions remain unanswered, including the cause of the plane's wheels-up landing and the failure of its black boxes.
Rival protests broke out in central Seoul on Saturday as thousands of supporters and opponents of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered to voice their views on his detention and impeachment, highlighting the deepening political divide in South Korea.
South Korea will release a preliminary report on the deadly Jeju Air crash on Monday, investigating factors like bird strikes and a concrete embankment that worsened the disaster. 179 people died in the December 29 incident.
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Newly released air traffic control (ATC) audio recordings provide an eerie and detailed account of the tragic midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025.
Red Cross buses carrying 110 Palestinian prisoners arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Thursday (January 30) as part of a phased agreement that ended over 15 months of conflict.
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President Trump's pick for FBI Director, Kash Patel, faced tough questions during his confirmation hearing, particularly over his views on the 2020 election.
Newly released air traffic control (ATC) audio recordings provide an eerie and detailed account of the tragic midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025.
Red Cross buses carrying 110 Palestinian prisoners arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Thursday (January 30) as part of a phased agreement that ended over 15 months of conflict.
An 80-year-old Israeli hostage, Gadi Moses, has arrived at Tel Aviv’s Sorasky Medical Centre following his release from Hamas captivity
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