Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed regret over the Constitutional Court’s decision to dismiss the impeachment of Acting President and Prime Minister Han Deok-su. However, Park highlighted the court’s indication that the delay in appointing constitutional judges is unconstitutional, urging that appointing Ma Eun-hyuk as a constitutional judge should be Han’s top priority.
During a Supreme Committee meeting held at the party’s tent headquarters in Gwanghwamun, Park stated, “It is regrettable that the court dismissed the impeachment of the Prime Minister.” He emphasized the necessity of impeaching Han by pointing out that “the court made clear that it is unconstitutional not to appoint the three constitutional judges recommended by the National Assembly.”
Park further urged Han, stating, “As an acting official, you bear the significant responsibility of upholding the Constitution,” and called for making constitutional preservation the highest priority in governance. He demanded immediate resolution of the unappointed constitutional judges issue and compliance with the legal recommendation for a special prosecutor’s appointment.
Referring to the issues surrounding quorum opinions, Park noted, “The court clearly concluded that a majority of incumbent members is legitimate for the Prime Minister, not requiring a presidential process,” underscoring that there is no procedural issue in the impeachment pursuit.
He also urged the Constitutional Court to hasten the impeachment ruling of President Yoon Seok-yeol, saying, “We request an immediate ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon. The court should schedule the ruling date today and deliver it tomorrow.” Park added, “We hope that the court, through a unanimous decision to dismiss President Yoon, will prove itself as the supreme institution for constitutional protection.”