Opposition Raises 'Jungdaegyeolsim'... Fear of 5:3 Deadlock?

Tensions Rise as Constitutional Court Delays Ruling
Opposition Issues Ultimatum for April 1,
Citing Ma Eun-hyuk's Appointment as a Key Variable

As the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol is delayed, the Democratic Party of Korea has launched an aggressive drive, mentioning a major decision. There is even analysis suggesting that the Constitutional Court may be facing a situation where it cannot deliver a verdict, causing concern within the opposition.

The Democratic Party is increasing pressure on Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to appoint Justice Ma Eun-hyuk to the Constitutional Court. On the 30th, Park Chan-dae, the Democratic Party floor leader, stated, "If Acting President Han does not fulfill his constitutional duty by April 1, the Democratic Party will make a major decision," adding, "The National Assembly has the responsibility to protect the constitutional order. The Democratic Party will exercise all powers granted to it." The political interpretation is that this is a warning that if Acting President Han refuses to appoint Justice Ma despite the Constitutional Court's conclusion that the appointment should be made through authority disputes, the party may proceed with impeachment again.

Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged Han Duck-soo, Acting President and Prime Minister, to appoint Ma Eun-hyuk as a nominee for the Constitutional Court Justice at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 30th. Photo by Yonhap News

The Democratic Party's aggressive stance is closely related to the situation at the Constitutional Court. The verdict, which was expected to be delivered around mid-month, has effectively been postponed to April, drawing attention to the so-called '5-to-3 deadlock' theory within the Court.

The '5-to-3 deadlock' refers to a scenario where only five justices support the impeachment, falling one short of the required majority. Depending on whether the progressive-leaning Justice Ma is appointed, the conclusion on whether President Yoon will be removed or reinstated could change, explaining why the Court is currently unable to reach a decision. There are even speculations that the verdict may not be reached by the retirement date of Justices Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-seon (April 18), which was considered the deadline for the impeachment ruling.

However, the Democratic Party leadership has only hinted at a major decision without disclosing specific countermeasures. On the 31st, Park Sung-joon, the Democratic Party deputy floor leader, said in a CBS radio interview regarding the push for impeachment by Acting President Han and others, "There is no need to overinterpret this." Regarding the impeachment of all cabinet members proposed by first-term lawmakers, he drew a line by saying, "The leadership must take responsibility, so our views may differ from those of the first-term lawmakers." This suggests that strategic flexibility is being maintained as there is still time before the major decision.

The opposition is concerned not only about the Constitutional Court's ruling but also about the lack of communication with Acting President Han. It is known that Floor Leader Park requested a meeting with Acting President Han but expressed frustration over the lack of response.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.