South Korea’s parliament impeaches acting President Han Duck-soo

South Korean lawmakers have impeached the country’s prime minister and acting president, Han Duck-soo, amid a deepening political crisis sparked by his predecessor's martial law decree.

The motion which required a simple majority in the 300-member National Assembly, was passed with all 192 votes cast in favor of the impeachment. 

The results were announced amidst protests from the ruling party members who boycotted the vote.  

Han took over the role after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by parliament following his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3.

The latest move came after Han refused on Thursday to appoint three judges to fill vacancies in the Constitutional Court, the body that will be deciding whether to reinstate or remove Yoon permanently from office. 

There are currently three vacancies on the top court's nine-judge bench. The opposition Democratic Party had demanded Han to fill the positions immediately. 

The opposition argued that Han had actively participated in Yoon’s insurrection and violated his duty to uphold the law by avoiding investigations.

Opposition politicians also called for launching a special probe into Yoon's martial law declaration.

South Korean president declares martial law to clamp down on 'pro-North Korean' lawmakers

The South Korean president has declared nationwide martial law in a move aimed at clamping down on his "despicable pro-North Korean" political opponents.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has now stepped in as the new acting president. 

Choi said he would do everything in his power to restore stability and end the political turmoil gripping his country.

"Minimizing governmental turmoil is of utmost importance at this moment," Choi was quoted as saying in an address shortly after his appointment as acting leader. "The government will also dedicate all its efforts to overcoming this period of turmoil," he added. 

Experts believe the political crisis will continue until a new presidential election is held. 

Choi announced on Friday that the government has instructed the military to increase vigilance to prevent North Korea from misinterpreting the situation and initiating any actions.

He also told the foreign ministry to inform the allies such as US, Japan and other major partners that South Korea's foreign policies remain unchanged.

Political experts had warned previously that if the opposition pursues more investigations, the government could become paralyzed as decisions could not be made or carried out.  

Martial law aborted in South Korea, country plunged into political crisis

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol had his decree of martial law quickly struck down by lawmakers amid chaos at the country

President Yoon’s December 3 imposition of martial law was the first of its kind in more than four decades.

Yoon gave the military extraordinary powers in order to end the political deadlock within the capital, and stop what he dubbed “anti-state forces.”

The martial law lasted only six hours before being revoked by the parliament.

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