Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of South Korea’s acting president following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The impeachment vote, which passed after Yoon's brief attempt to impose martial law, has suspended Yoon from exercising presidential powers, as mandated by the constitution.

Han, a 75-year-old career technocrat, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for rationality to his new role. His varied career, which transcends party lines, includes positions such as ambassador to the United States, finance minister, trade minister, presidential secretary for policy coordination, prime minister, ambassador to the OECD, and head of various think-tanks and organizations.

In a country deeply divided by partisan rhetoric, Han's ability to navigate through South Korea's gravest political crisis in four decades will be crucial. He must also address threats from nuclear-armed North Korea and a slowing domestic economy. Additionally, his tenure as acting president could be jeopardized by criminal investigations into his role in the martial law decision.

Han has been serving as prime minister since Yoon’s term began in 2022, marking his second stint in the role after previously serving under former President Roh Moo-hyun from 2007 to 2008. His leadership is expected to continue for months until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove Yoon or restore his powers. If Yoon is removed, a presidential election must be held within 60 days, during which Han will remain at the helm. (ILKHA)