una game South Korea: Acting LeaderHan To Veto Opposition Bills; President Yoon Willing To Represent Self For Legal Proceedings

South Korea's acting PM Han Duck-soo Photo: AP South Korea's acting PM Han Duck-soo Photo: AP

South Korea’s acting leader, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, has announced plans to veto a series of contentious bills backed by the opposition party, further deepening the political crisis in the country. 

The vetoes come in the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment last Saturday, which stemmed from his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month.

The ruling and opposition parties have clashed over the extent of Prime Minister Han’s powers since the National Assembly, controlled by the opposition, voted to suspend Yoon’s presidential duties on December 16. Han, as the country’s No. 2 official, has assumed the role of acting president, though the Constitutional Court is still to decide whether Conservative Yoon will be reinstated or formally removed. An investigation is also ongoing by the law enforcement authorities to determine whether Yoon's martial law enforcement amounted to rebellion.

Four of the six bills Han intends to veto are focused on expanding state financial support for South Korea’s agricultural and fisheries sectors. However, the most contentious of these is the ‘Grain Management Act’, which would require the government to purchase surplus rice to stabilize prices and support the farming industry. Han argues that this bill would impose heavy financial burdens on the government and may ultimately lead to further price drops.

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Another contentious proposal is the ‘National Assembly Testimony Appraisal Act’, which would grant lawmakers broader powers to compel individuals to testify at parliamentary hearings or submit documents. Han has expressed concerns that this bill could infringe on personal privacy and jeopardize sensitive business information, particularly in the technology sector. 

The opposition, led by the Democratic Party, argues that the bill is necessary to fully investigate the details surrounding Yoon’s martial law declaration.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Han stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional principles and emphasized the need for cooperation between the government and opposition parties. “I’ve asked the National Assembly to revisit these bills at a time when unity is crucial,” Han said. However, he warned that the government must act responsibly in the nation’s best interests.

The Democratic Party quickly responded, with spokesperson Noh Jongmyun warning Han not to “cross the line” and pledging to take action if Han is found to have collaborated in the martial law declaration, which is now being investigated by law enforcement.

Meanwhile, a new point of contention has emerged regarding Han’s authority to fill three vacant seats on the Constitutional Court. The appointment of these justices could influence the court’s upcoming ruling on Yoon’s impeachment, further intensifying the standoff between the two major political factions.

Yoon willing to represent himself in legal proceedings

Former President Yoon Suk Yeolis currently at the center of multiple investigations. Yoon, who was impeached by the National Assembly over his martial law declaration, is facing both a Constitutional Court trial and investigations into whether his actions constituted insurrection – a charge that, if proven, could lead to criminal prosecution.

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According to Reuters, Yoon’s lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, stated Thursday that the impeached president is prepared to represent himself in the legal proceedings and express his position on the matter. Seok added that Yoon is fully apologetic for the shock his martial law declaration caused but maintains that he never intended to instigate a rebellion.

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Yoon’s martial law decree, which lasted just six hours before being overturned by the National Assembly, was a response to what he perceived as an emergency situation. In a televised address on December 3, Yoon invoked martial law following intense opposition control of the National Assembly and increasing friction over the government’s budget and power.

Seok, a long-time friend of Yoon and former prosecutor, dismissed claims that Yoon’s actions were a breach of the constitution. He argued that the situation warranted extraordinary measures, given the opposition’s refusal to cooperate with the government.

Despite Yoon’s statements of apology, the controversy surrounding his martial law declaration has severely impacted his credibility. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik criticized the decision as a misjudgment, citing Yoon’s failure to communicate with parliament or address concerns about the budget, unlike previous administrations.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Yoon faces mounting pressure. The investigations into the martial law declaration are also entangling several high-ranking officials. On Thursday, former army intelligence commander Noh Sang-won was arrested for his alleged role in the martial law plan. Noh is accused of discussing military deployment with current officers prior to the declaration, further complicating the already turbulent political environment.

The investigations have prompted heightened security concernsuna game, with Yoon’s presidential office security service reportedly refusing to cooperate with attempted raids by law enforcement. Meanwhile, South Korea’s currency Won has hit its lowest point in 15 years, exacerbated by political instability and global economic factors