In a surprising turn of events, South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has been officially booked by police on charges related to insurrection. This development stems from the tumultuous period following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Choi, who also serves as the Minister of Economy and Finance, assumed the role of acting president after both Yoon and the prime minister were impeached. A civic group known as Candlelight Action filed a complaint alleging that Choi was involved in a plot to commit rebellion and played a role in the insurrection.
The National Office of Investigation's special unit moved swiftly, filing treason-related charges against Choi and several others earlier this week. The allegations are linked to Choi's participation in a cabinet meeting that endorsed the emergency martial law declared by Yoon on the night of December 3. Although the martial law was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly hours later, the actions taken during that critical window have now come under scrutiny.
In addition to Choi, the impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been summoned for questioning for a second time, marking a significant moment as Han becomes the first cabinet member to be interrogated twice over the martial law imposition. Han's impeachment followed his refusal to appoint three constitutional court justices, a move pivotal to Yoon's impeachment trial.
The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14 and has been handed over to the constitutional court for deliberation, a process that can take up to 180 days. During this period, Yoon's presidential powers remain suspended. For the impeachment to result in Yoon's removal from office, at least six out of the nine constitutional court justices must uphold the motion.
This series of events highlights the ongoing political instability in South Korea, as the nation grapples with the implications of emergency powers and the delicate balance of governance during times of crisis.
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South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok investigated by police
cgtn.com
