Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who became South Korea's acting president after Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, is a career technocrat whose wide-ranging experience and reputation for rationality may not be enough to stem the country's deepening political crisis.

As the nation’s president awaits an impeachment trial over an ill-fated martial law bid, its prime minister and interim leader may face an ousting of his own.

The Democratic Party has criticised Han for delaying the appointment of three justices to the Constitutional court, claiming he exceeded his authority as acting leader.