Things back to normal: S Korea's acting leader

SEOUL: South Korea's acting leader vowed on Tuesday to convey to the world that things are back to normal following parliament's impeachment of conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, as rival parties squabble over the appointments of court justices who will determine whether to unseat or reinstate Yoon.

- Agencies

The country's liberal opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach Yoon last Saturday over his short-lived December 3 martial law imposition, suspending Yoon's presidential powers until the Constitutional Court determines whether he can stay in office. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within two months.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who became acting leader, has taken steps to reassure the US and other countries and stabilize markets. Presiding over a Cabinet Council meeting on Tuesday, Han said he will "continuously do my utmost to inform the international society that the Republic of Korea is fast regaining stability and maintaining confidence with partners."

But the country's intense political strife appears to be far from over, as rival parties began bickering over whether to fill three vacant seats at the Constitutional Court.