South Korea’s Constitutional Court struck down the impeachment of the country’s prime minister Han Duck-soo and restored his powers on Monday, the latest twist in a political saga that started when the President declared martial law last year.

Han Duck-soo was reinstated as acting president Monday. He was handed the reins to the country after President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law, was impeached.

The crisis began on 3 December 2024, when President Yoon Suk Yeol stunned the country by declaring martial law. In a nationally televised address, he justified the move, claiming it was essential to protect the "free Republic of Korea" from forces pushing the nation toward disorder.