South Korea’s Han Duck-soo Reinstated: A Steady Hand in Crisis

South Korea’s acting president Han Duck-soo regains power after impeachment reversal, steering the nation through political chaos and economic challenges.

South Korea’s Constitutional Court delivered a verdict that reverberated through the nation’s political corridors: Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, a veteran technocrat, was reinstated as acting president. The decision overturned his December impeachment, restoring his authority amid one of the country’s most tumultuous periods in decades. For a nation grappling with a leadership vacuum, economic headwinds, and a polarized populace, Han’s return offers a flicker of stability—but the challenges ahead are formidable.

At 75, Han Duck-soo is no stranger to navigating choppy waters. With a career spanning over three decades under five presidents, his reputation as a pragmatic, unflappable leader has made him a rare figure in South Korea’s partisan landscape. But as he steps back into the acting presidency, the stakes are higher than ever. The court’s ruling on impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol looms, North Korea’s threats simmer, and a potential trade war with the United States under a second Trump administration casts a long shadow. Can Han, a man lauded for his steady hand, guide South Korea through this storm?

A Technocrat Thrust into Turmoil

Han Duck-soo’s ascent to acting president began on December 14, 2024, when parliament impeached Yoon Suk Yeol over a shocking martial law declaration—a move that plunged South Korea into chaos. A seasoned expert in economics, trade, and diplomacy, Han was serving his second term as prime minister when duty called. His task? Keep the government afloat during its gravest crisis since the 1980s. Yet, just two weeks into his interim role, Han faced his impeachment, accused of abetting Yoon’s martial law gambit.

In a February 2025 court hearing, Han firmly denied the charges. “I had no prior knowledge of the martial law plans,” he testified, painting himself as a voice of reason who urged Yoon to reconsider. While he accepted some blame for not stopping the president’s reckless move, Han’s defense resonated with the Constitutional Court. In a 5-1 vote, the justices ruled there wasn’t enough evidence to prove he violated the constitution, clearing the way for his reinstatement. For Han, it was a vindication of his long-held commitment to public service over political gamesmanship.

A Rare Breed in a Divided Nation

South Korea’s political scene is a battleground of clashing ideologies, where party loyalty often trumps competence. Han Duck-soo stands apart. Described by a former official as “a civil servant through and through,” he’s avoided the partisan fray, earning trust across conservative and liberal administrations alike. “It’s my life’s honor to serve the people with all my might,” Han said after his impeachment last December, a statement that underscores his ethos.

His resume reads like a masterclass in governance: finance minister, trade minister, ambassador to the United States, and prime minister under two presidents—Roh Moo-hyun in 2007-2008 and Yoon since 2022. With a Harvard doctorate in economics and fluency in English, Han’s expertise is matched by a demeanor that exudes calm rationality. When Yoon tapped him as prime minister in 2022, he praised Han’s appointment as a recognition of “skills and expertise, unrelated to political factions”—a sentiment echoed by past leaders who relied on his steady leadership.

Steering Through a Perfect Storm

Han’s return couldn’t come at a more critical juncture. South Korea’s export-driven economy, a global powerhouse in tech and manufacturing, faces mounting pressure. The specter of higher U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump’s second term threatens industries like semiconductors and automobiles—sectors that employ millions. A 2024 report from the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy warned that such tariffs could slash South Korea’s GDP growth by up to 1.2% annually, a blow the nation can ill afford as its economy slows.

Beyond trade, Han must contend with North Korea’s escalating provocations. In early 2025, Pyongyang tested new ballistic missiles, rattling nerves in Seoul and prompting calls for a fortified defense posture. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court’s pending decision on Yoon’s fate—expected as early as March 28—adds another layer of uncertainty. If Yoon is ousted, a snap election within 60 days will thrust South Korea into yet another political upheaval. Han’s role, though temporary, demands he keep the ship steady until clarity emerges.

A Legacy of Diplomacy and Trade

Han’s experience with South Korea’s closest ally, the United States, could prove invaluable. As ambassador to Washington from 2009 to 2011, he played a pivotal role in securing congressional approval for the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). Signed during Joe Biden’s vice presidency, the deal bolstered economic ties between the two nations, a legacy Han may lean on as he navigates Trump-era trade tensions. His fluency in English and deep understanding of American politics give him an edge few South Korean leaders possess.

Experts see Han’s reinstatement as a chance to reset bilateral relations. “He’s uniquely positioned to engage Washington,” says Dr. Ji-young Kim, a political scientist at Seoul National University. “His track record suggests he’ll prioritize dialogue over confrontation, even under pressure.” With Trump’s “America First” policies looming, Han’s diplomatic finesse could soften the blow to South Korea’s export markets—a lifeline for its 51 million citizens.

The Weight of an Interim Crown

Han’s acting presidency was never meant to be easy. When he first assumed the role in December, he inherited a nation reeling from Yoon’s martial law fiasco, which lasted mere hours but left lasting scars. The opposition accused Han of inaction, while Yoon’s supporters saw him as a traitor for not backing the president’s play. Caught in the crossfire, Han faced an impossible balancing act: maintain government operations, reassure jittery allies, and fend off domestic critics—all while lacking the full mandate of an elected leader.

The South Korean constitution offers little guidance on an acting president’s powers, leaving Han in a gray zone. Can he push bold policies to counter economic threats? Or must he merely hold the fort until Yoon’s fate is sealed? “It’s a tightrope walk,” says Professor Ahn Byong-jin of Kyung Hee University. “He has to project authority without overstepping, a challenge that tests even a veteran like Han.” For now, his focus remains on stability—ensuring ministries function, markets don’t panic, and the public retains faith in governance.

What Lies Ahead

Han’s tenure as acting president may be brief, but its impact could shape South Korea’s trajectory for years. If the court upholds Yoon’s impeachment, a new election will test the nation’s democratic resilience. If Yoon is reinstated, Han’s role ends quietly, his legacy tied to these turbulent months. Either way, his steady presence offers a counterpoint to the chaos that has gripped Seoul since December.

For South Koreans, weary of political drama, Han’s return is a mixed blessing. A January 2025 Gallup Korea poll found that 62% of citizens supported his reinstatement, citing his experience as a stabilizing force. Yet, many wonder if even a technocrat of Han’s caliber can mend a fractured nation. As he steps back into the spotlight, the clock is ticking—not just on Yoon’s fate, but on Han’s ability to prove that competence can triumph over crisis.

Han Duck-soo’s reinstatement as South Korea’s acting president is more than a legal victory—it’s a lifeline for a nation on edge. With his wealth of experience, he’s poised to tackle economic threats, diplomatic challenges, and political uncertainty with the measured resolve that’s defined his career. For Americans watching from afar, Han’s story is a reminder that even in democracy’s messiest moments, a steady hand can make a difference. As South Korea awaits its next chapter, Han offers a lesson in resilience: lead with skill, not fanfare, and let results speak louder than rhetoric.

Source:  (Reuters)

(Disclaimer:  This article is based on publicly available information as of March 24, 2025, and reflects the latest developments in South Korea’s political landscape. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, events may evolve, and readers are encouraged to consult primary sources for real-time updates.)

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