South Korean lawmakers have voted to oust a second head of state in less than two weeks, impeaching the acting president Han Duck-soo.

The move plunges the country into yet more political chaos following the impeachment of Mr Han’s predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, after he declared a short-lived period of martial law.

The opposition-controlled parliament on Friday passed a motion to remove Mr Han, arguing that he had refused demands to complete Mr Yoon’s impeachment process and to bring him to justice.

The acting president is also accused of refusing to appoint judges to fill three vacancies on the constitutional court.

While parliament has already approved the nominees, Mr Han has refused to formally appoint them, arguing that there was a need for political consensus between the parties.

The body is set to decide the fate of Mr Yoon, who was suspended two weeks ago after mass protests over his failed power grab on Dec 3.

The constitutional court held its first pre-trial hearing on whether to uphold his impeachment on Friday. It will also now decide on the fate of Mr Han.