What happens if the South Korean president is impeached?
South Korea has impeached two presidents — Roh Moo-hyun (2004, later reinstated) and Park Geun-hye (2016, removed) — establishing a clear institutional template involving the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, and temporary presidential succession.
Trust & Coverage
- Page Type
- Scenario explainer
- Last Updated
- April 15, 2026
- Sources
- 2 linked
Scenario pages are procedural explainers linked back to relevant institutions, offices, and countries.
They are meant to explain formal political processes, not speculate on current events.
Scenario Feedback
Step-by-Step Process
This explainer walks through the 4 steps involved in this process, from start to finish.
Step 1
The National Assembly votes on impeachment
Impeachment proceedings begin in the National Assembly. A motion requires the support of a majority of all Assembly members to be introduced. To pass, it needs two-thirds of all members (200 of 300). If passed, the president's powers are immediately suspended.
Step 2
The prime minister becomes acting president
Once impeachment passes, the president's powers are suspended and the prime minister assumes the duties of acting president. The president retains the title and constitutional status but cannot exercise the functions of the office during the proceedings.