Payam Javan: South Korea’s Constitutional Court has begun deliberations on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his December 3 martial law attempt. The impeachment, passed by the opposition-led parliament, could take up to six months for a final decision. Yoon and several officials are also under investigation for potential charges of insurrection, with plans to question him later this week. Meanwhile, a separate probe has faced delays as Yoon assembles his legal defense. Acting President Han Duck-soo is working to stabilize the government and calm financial markets, with the KOSPI index rising as political uncertainty eases. Han has also reaffirmed South Korea’s alliance with the United States in a conversation with President Joe Biden.

The impeachment vote has caused turmoil in the ruling People Power Party, with at least 12 members siding with the opposition, leading to the resignation of party leader Han Dong-hoon. Han, who supported impeachment to restore order, leaves the party in disarray. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung welcomed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of a key intelligence figure for North Korea, signaling potential diplomatic shifts. Amid these developments, the impeachment trial, ongoing investigations, and efforts to ensure economic stability dominate South Korea’s immediate political and economic agenda.