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.
European leaders are meeting in Finland for a high-level summit on Arctic security and cooperation as the region takes on greater strategic importa...
Georgia has been formally integrated into the European Union's Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), bringing Anaklia Deep-Sea Port, Georgi...
Türkiye’s foreign minister has renewed calls for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to disarm and disband, during talks with...
Maritime trackers received new reports of an attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), adding to concerns about energy supplies after Saudi Arabia shut down a vital oil pipeline on Saturday.
A Kyiv-Warsaw train was struck near the Polish border, Ukraine's state railway firm said on Sunday. No passengers were injured. Ukrainian Railways said that the country's railways were facing systematic attacks for a second day and warned of widespread delays.
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
Swedes vote in an election on Sunday (13 September) that could see the far-right enter government for the first time if the country's right-wing parties can form a majority.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said an attack on a train near the Polish border was an attempt to intimidate Ukraine's allies.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said an attack on a train near the Polish border was an attempt to intimidate Ukraine's allies.
European leaders are meeting in Finland for a high-level summit on Arctic security and cooperation as the region takes on greater strategic importance.
Amazon has paused its operations with 21 Air, the Miami-based cargo carrier that operated an Amazon Air flight which crashed at Miami International Airport last weekend, killing five people.
Voters in the southern Philippines are casting ballots in a historic election that could shape the future of one of the country’s most conflict-affected regions and put a decades-long peace process to a crucial test.
U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed back against growing calls for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry to slow down, arguing that maintaining America’s lead over China is more important.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment