The South Korean National Assembly impeached President Park in December, and from that point forward, Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has performed the duties of acting president in her stead as she was forced to relinquish her authority. Justice Lee Jung-mi announced today that the Constitutional Court has ratified the impeachment, which means that she has swiftly been removed from office. It also means that an election must be held within the next 60 days to determine the next R.O.K. president, and in the meantime, Minister Hwang maintains executive control.
These events have developed at a particularly disadvantageous time for U.S.-R.O.K. relations. The two countries have been allies throughout recent history, which has been necessary for contending with the erratic policies of North Korea. North Korea has been one of the most controversial contributors to nuclear proliferation as of late, expanding their nuclear program in a way that has made the U.S., South Korea, and even China nervous. The Trump Administration has been faced with the reality since inauguration that they must find innovative ways to contain North Korean aggression.
Originally posted 2017-03-13 13:51:16.
