Seoul: The Constitutional Court announced on Wednesday that it will conduct the first formal hearing for Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment trial on February 19. The lead justice for the case, Kim Hyung-du, revealed this decision during a preparatory hearing, urging the legal representatives for both Han and the National Assembly to submit the requisite documents and evidence by February 13.
According to Lao News Agency, Han was impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly on December 27. The impeachment arose after Han refused to appoint additional justices to the Constitutional Court ahead of its evaluation of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, which followed Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3. The impeachment motion against Han further accused him of either plotting or supporting an insurrection through the brief imposition of martial law.
The court’s proceedings are expected to concentrate specifically on determining whether Han, in his role as the former prime minist
er, breached the Constitution by assisting President Yoon in the alleged insurrection attempt. The focus will not extend to potential violations of criminal law. Han has requested the court to handle the case swiftly, stressing that both speed and prudence are essential in the impeachment of an acting president.
