The plane crash is the first major test for South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, who had been appointed the interim leader only on Friday, as the country grapples with a political crisis at the highest levels.

The impeachment of Han Duck-soo, acting president since Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 for declaring martial law, has thrown South Korea's once-vibrant democratic success story into uncharted territory.

South Korea’s Acting President Han Duck-soo said he will hold off on appointing judges to join the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol, defying pressure from the main opposition party.