The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and other opposition parties are increasing pressure on the Constitutional Court and Acting President Han Duck-soo amid ongoing uncertainties regarding the impeachment ruling of President Yoon Seok-yeol. The opposition plans to hold regular parliamentary sessions to push for the impeachment of Cabinet members, including the acting president, and to introduce legislation to extend the terms of Constitutional Court judges.
DPK Floor Leader Park Chan-dae issued an ultimatum during a press conference at the National Assembly, demanding that Acting President Han appoint constitutional judge nominee Ma Eun-hyuk by April 1 and warned that the party might consider serious actions if the deadline is not met. There’s speculation that this includes a push for Han’s re-impeachment.
Senior DPK lawmakers held a press conference in front of the Constitutional Court, urging the court to make a prompt decision on the impeachment trial. They also called for the swift approval of the injunctions related to the authority dispute over the postponement of Ma’s appointment.
The DPK is concerned that the impeachment ruling might not occur before the terms of the constitutional judges expire on April 18. They allege that this delay is aimed at appointing new judges favorable to the president, potentially leading to a dismissal of the impeachment.
Furthermore, there are rumors suggesting intentional delays by some justices in the court’s decision-making process. In response, the DPK plans to hold daily National Assembly sessions to address pressing issues and pass relevant bills, including one that extends the tenure of constitutional judges.
The “National Transformation Party” has threatened a nationwide compensation lawsuit for “stress damages” if the impeachment date isn’t set by April 4.
The Democratic Party emphasizes that their strategy depends on future developments regarding the Constitutional Court’s schedule, while also addressing skepticism about the complete impeachment of Cabinet members, which leadership has not fully considered.
Meanwhile, the ruling and opposition floor leaders are expected to discuss future parliamentary schedules, with attention on National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik’s decisions, as convening the full assembly is crucial for processing impeachment measures.