Constitutional Court to Hold First Hearing on Han Deok-su Impeachment Trial on the 19th

The Constitutional Court has completed the preparatory procedures for the impeachment trial of Prime Minister Han Deok-su and will begin the full hearing on the 19th.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Impeachment Trial 2nd Preliminary Hearing. Yonhap News

원본보기 아이콘

Kim Hyung-doo, the presiding justice of this case, announced at the second preparatory hearing for Prime Minister Han’s impeachment trial held at the Constitutional Court on the afternoon of the 5th, "We will conclude the preparatory procedures and hold the hearing at 2 p.m. on the 19th." The second preparatory hearing, which lasted about 45 minutes, involved reviewing the written submissions from both sides and organizing additional issues and evidence.

On that day, the National Assembly side requested a de facto withdrawal of the charge of rebellion against Prime Minister Han. Justice Kim asked, "Is it correct that the petitioner’s side intends, as stated in their opinions dated January 25 and 31, to limit the grounds for impeachment solely to the point that the respondent failed to fulfill constitutional duties by participating in or aiding some acts of rebellion, regardless of criminal punishment?" The National Assembly side replied, "Yes."

Prime Minister Han’s side once again requested the Constitutional Court to expedite the hearing process. They urged, "It is evident that the next target of the tariff and trade war initiated by the U.S. Trump administration will be us. We earnestly request that Prime Minister Han, who has been at the center of South Korea’s trade and commerce policy for over 50 years and possesses extensive experience and insight in trade, commerce, and Korea-U.S. relations, be reinstated to his duties as soon as possible so that he can apply his capabilities for the nation."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.