In a significant escalation of South Korea's political crisis, opposition parties, led by the Democratic Party, have introduced a motion to impeach Acting President Choi Sang-mok. This development adds a new layer of complexity to the nation's already tumultuous political landscape, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over a brief declaration of martial law in December.

The political unrest began when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in December, a move that was met with widespread opposition and led to his impeachment by the National Assembly. The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating on whether to uphold this impeachment, a decision that will determine Yoon's political fate and could trigger a presidential election within 60 days if upheld.

Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as the Finance Minister, assumed the role of Acting President following Yoon's impeachment. His tenure has been marked by contentious decisions, including the vetoing of several bills passed by the opposition-controlled parliament and delaying the appointment of a liberal-leaning justice to the Constitutional Court. These actions have been perceived by opposition parties as attempts to influence the court's composition ahead of its ruling on Yoon's impeachment.

The Democratic Party and its allies, holding a majority in the National Assembly, submitted the impeachment motion against Choi on March 21, 2025. They accuse him of overstepping his authority as an interim leader by making unilateral decisions that could affect the Constitutional Court's impartiality. The opposition argues that Choi's refusal to appoint the assembly-approved justice undermines the judiciary's independence and delays the resolution of the ongoing political crisis.


Public opinion appears to favor the opposition's stance, with a recent Gallup Korea poll indicating that 58% of respondents support Yoon's impeachment. The same poll suggests a growing frustration among citizens over the prolonged political deadlock and the acting president's controversial decisions.

The impeachment motion against Choi could lead to his suspension from duties if passed, pending a Constitutional Court review. This scenario would further complicate the nation's governance, as it awaits the court's decision on Yoon's impeachment. The Democratic Party's leader, Lee Jae-myung, who is leading in presidential polls, faces legal challenges that could hinder his candidacy, adding another layer of uncertainty to South Korea's political future.

South Korea stands at a critical juncture, with its political institutions tested by successive impeachments and deepening partisan divides. The outcome of the impeachment processes against both President Yoon and Acting President Choi will significantly influence the country's direction, governance stability, and public trust in democratic processes.