Prime Minister Han Duk-soo, who became acting president of South Korea following the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday, is a career technocrat whose extensive experience and reputation for rationality may serve him well in his latest role.
With the passage of parliament’s impeachment vote against Yoon following a short-lived attempt to impose martial law, Yoon is suspended from exercising presidential powers, and the constitution requires the prime minister to assume a caretaker role.
In a country deeply divided by partisan rhetoric, Hahn has been a rare official whose diverse career transcends party lines.
He faces the daunting challenge of keeping the government running during its worst political crisis in four decades, while also dealing with threats from nuclear-armed neighbor North Korea and a slowing economy at home.
A criminal investigation into his role in the martial law decision could also threaten his tenure as acting president.
Han, 75, has served in leadership positions for more than three decades under five different presidents, both conservative and liberal.
His roles include 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.
With a Harvard doctorate in economics, Han’s expertise in economics, trade, and diplomacy, as well as his reputation for rationality, generous conduct, and hard work, have made him a regular figure in South Korean politics.
Han has been prime minister since Yoon’s term began in 2022, his second time serving in the role after serving as prime minister under former President Roh Moo-hyun in 2007–2008.
“He has held prominent positions in state affairs through recognition of his skills and expertise, regardless of political factions,” Yoon said when appointing Han in 2022.
“I think Han is the right candidate to run national affairs while overseeing and coordinating the Cabinet, with a wealth of experience encompassing the public and private sectors.”
Han has experience working with the United States, South Korea’s key ally, having been deeply involved in the process of signing the US-South Korea Free Trade Agreement.
Fluent in English, he was appointed South Korea’s ambassador to the United States in 2009, working in Washington when current US President Joe Biden was vice president, and helped Congress approve the free trade agreement in 2011. Had contributed.
Han has also served as a board member of S-Oil, the South Korean refining unit of Saudi Aramco.
A former high-ranking government official, who declined to be identified, said, “He is purely a civil servant who did not adopt political colors despite serving under (five presidents).”
Han’s role in the leadership is expected to last for months until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove Yun or restore his powers. If Yun is removed, presidential elections must be held in 60 days, with Han remaining at the helm.
The main opposition Democratic Party has filed a complaint against Han to include him in the investigation for failing to stop Yun’s martial law attempt.
If Parliament decides to impeach Han, the finance minister is next in line for cabinet members to serve as acting president.
The Constitution of South Korea does not specify how much authority the Prime Minister has to exercise the leadership role.
Most scholars say that the Prime Minister should exercise limited authority to the extent of preventing paralysis of state affairs and no more, although some say that he can exercise all the powers of the President, as the Constitution provides for There are no restrictions.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
