In an unprecedented political storm, South Korean lawmakers voted on Friday to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo, marking the first impeachment of an acting head of state in the nation’s history. This comes just two weeks after his predecessor, President Yoon Suk Yeol, was suspended following a shocking declaration of martial law.

The National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced the motion’s passage, with all 192 voting lawmakers supporting the impeachment. Ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) members boycotted the vote, instead protesting what they called procedural irregularities.

PPP leader Kweon Seong-dong denounced the motion, stating, "Han must continue to lead state affairs without yielding to the opposition's antics." However, Han, known for his calm demeanor, said he "respects the parliament's decision" and awaits the Constitutional Court's ruling on the matter.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed dual roles as acting president and prime minister, vowing to stabilize the country. "Minimizing governmental turmoil is of utmost importance at this moment," Choi emphasized in his inaugural address.

South Korea’s financial markets have been rattled. The won plunged to a 16-year low against the US dollar, surpassing losses seen after Yoon’s martial law declaration. The KOSPI Index closed down 1.02%, reflecting investor unease amid the political chaos.

At the center of Han’s impeachment lies his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court, a move criticized as leaving the court unable to fairly deliberate on Yoon’s impeachment. Han had argued for a bipartisan consensus on judicial appointments, but opposition lawmakers claimed his actions violated constitutional principles.

Democratic Party lawmaker Jo Seoung-lae accused Han of exposing his "true colors" by blocking the appointments, describing it as "a direct challenge to the Constitution and the law."The United States reiterated its "ironclad" commitment to South Korea, emphasizing support for its democratic processes. Pentagon spokesman Major Pete Nguyen and a State Department representative affirmed their willingness to collaborate with Acting President Choi during this turbulent period.The Constitutional Court has commenced preliminary hearings on Yoon’s impeachment, which remains unresolved. With both Yoon and Han under scrutiny, the nation faces a prolonged crisis that could reshape its political landscape.

As South Korea grapples with this unprecedented dual impeachment saga, Voice7 News will keep you updated on the unfolding developments.