Interim South Korean president impeached just 2 weeks after former leader ousted

South Korea’s parliament impeached acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday over a short-lived martial law, plunging the country deeper into political chaos.

SEOUL, South Korea — For decades, South Korea was an example of a vibrant democracy and economy. On Friday, the key United States ally was in uncharted territory when legislators voted to impeach the acting president less than two weeks after ousting the country’s previous leader.

The ruling People’s Power Party surrounded the speaker’s podium following the vote to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo, chanting that the vote was invalid and accusing parliament of committing “tyranny.”

On Dec. 14, President Yoon Suk Yeol was himself impeached after attempting to declare martial law. Opinion polls conducted after Yoon’s bid to impose military rule showed overwhelming public support for his removal.

Choi Sang-mok, the former deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, replaced Han, becoming South Korea’s second acting president in two weeks.Following the impeachment, Choi said that the government had ordered the military to increase vigilance, citing the possibility that North Korea could exploit South Korea’s political instability to carry out acts of provocation.

“As a member of the Cabinet, I feel a deep sense of responsibility for the current situation and extend my heartfelt apologies to the people,” he said.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/south-korea-president-impeached-martial-law-interim-rcna185519

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