Tag: South Korea

The president who declared martial law and attempted to shutter parliament has finally been decisively ousted. The political drama that has gripped South Korea since December is now approaching its climactic turn. In the peak moment of this saga, for 22 breathless minutes, millions across the nation listened as Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae of the Constitutional Court delivered the verdict in the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol—an outcome shaped by the president’s chaotic and authoritarian bid to consolidate power. The wait was excruciating, the atmosphere almost theatrical.

The court’s ruling on Friday may have offered a fleeting sense of institutional redemption. Yet domestically, the country remains deeply fractured. The verdict that ousted the president is far from the final act. The saga will continue—perhaps as another season in a long-running national reckoning. The decision has now triggered a 60-day countdown to elect a new president, with the date to be announced within ten days by Acting President Han Duck-soo.

A landmark verdict

The Constitutional Court’s decision marks a pivotal juncture in South Korea’s democratic history. With each damning sentence, Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae gave voice to a public long demanding the permanent removal of the suspended president. Crowds gathered outside the court hung on every word, their anticipation mounting as Moon methodically laid out the case against Yoon Suk Yeol.

Moon declared that Yoon’s actions posed a direct threat to democracy. He asserted that the 64-year-old conservative populist had gravely betrayed the public’s trust, plunging the nation into its most destabilizing political crisis since its democratic transition in the late 1980s. When the Chief Justice finally pronounced that President Yoon was officially removed from office, the crowd outside erupted in cheers.

According to Moon, Yoon’s declaration of martial law had sown widespread chaos, damaging both the economy and foreign relations. He emphasized that Yoon not only imposed martial law without legitimate cause but also violated the constitution by using military and police forces to obstruct the legislature. This, Moon concluded, constituted a flagrant abuse of emergency powers and a collapse of constitutional order.

The Chief Justice stressed that the severity of Yoon’s violations—both in terms of constitutional principles and their broader political consequences—made his removal necessary. The decision, though deeply disruptive, was framed as essential to preserving democratic integrity.

Yoon, who did not appear in court for the ruling, has no right to appeal. He now faces a separate criminal trial on charges of insurrection—a dramatic final chapter to a presidency undone by its own authoritarian excesses.

The election is coming.

South Korea’s turbulent political climate now shifts toward a high-stakes presidential election, set in motion by the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Acting President Han Duck-soo is expected to announce the election date in the coming days. Although the legal process has advanced, the political atmosphere remains deeply fraught, with the public starkly divided.

Political parties are racing to field competitive candidates, with the Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung currently leading in the polls. In contrast, Yoon’s conservative People Power Party faces a formidable task: finding a nominee who is either free from association with the disgraced administration or capable of channeling the strongman persona that once galvanized Yoon’s base.

During his presidency, Yoon often leaned on Cold War-era rhetoric, branding opponents as pro–North Korean or anti-state—language that analysts believe only deepened national polarization. As the party charts its path forward, any potential candidate will need to navigate this fractured landscape by studying Yoon’s core supporters and tailoring a message that resonates with them.

Unsettled division

The ongoing clashes between South Korea’s rival political factions present a profound challenge to the country’s democratic foundations. While friction between a president and a parliament controlled by opposing parties is not unusual, the current level of animosity has taken a deeply unsettling turn. The National Assembly has become a battleground, a reflection of the broader dysfunction consuming the nation’s political discourse.

When the Assembly held its initial impeachment vote in December, it offered the People Power Party a chance to distance itself from President Yoon Suk Yeol. Instead, its lawmakers boycotted the vote and reaffirmed their loyalty to the embattled leader. In doing so, they lent credence to Yoon’s widely discredited claims that recent elections—including a parliamentary vote earlier in the year—had been tainted by fraud.

Such rhetoric found a receptive audience among Yoon’s supporters, who echoed Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” slogans as they poured into the streets. Conspiracy theories, once confined to the margins, quickly moved to the heart of political protest.

Whoever takes office in the upcoming presidential election will inherit the unenviable task of bridging a deeply polarized society and restoring trust in democratic institutions—institutions that many believe Yoon systematically undermined.

Conservatives in Trouble

The Constitutional Court’s ruling brings a dramatic close to the turbulent three-year presidency of Yoon Suk Yeol, a conservative populist whose rise and downfall are now framed by impeachment. After narrowly defeating liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung in the 2022 election, Yoon was initially seen as a bold, no-nonsense leader poised to cut through political deadlock and restore order to a weary electorate. But what once seemed like strength soon hardened into inflexibility. His presidency became defined by relentless confrontation—battling an opposition-led National Assembly, targeting critical journalists, clashing with striking medical workers, and obstructing probes into corruption allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee. His rhetoric grew increasingly incendiary, casting political opponents as criminals and accusing them of colluding with North Korea, echoing the paranoia of South Korea’s Cold War past.

In the wake of the ruling, the People Power Party issued a restrained statement, calling the verdict regrettable while affirming its respect for the Constitutional Court’s decision. The party also extended a formal apology to the public. Meanwhile, Yoon’s legal team denounced the decision as unconstitutional and demanded his immediate reinstatement. But public sentiment had already turned decisively against him. A Gallup Korea poll released just days before the verdict found that 60 percent of South Koreans supported his permanent removal from office.

With the political winds shifting sharply against the conservatives, Yoon’s party now faces an uphill battle as it braces for the upcoming presidential election.

The saga continues

The political saga is far from over. Few believe that either the candidates or the electorate in the upcoming presidential election will be able to move beyond the bitterness of the past four months. Yoon’s future also looms as a troubling uncertainty in South Korean politics. He now faces a separate criminal trial on charges of insurrection—a grave offense that carries the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty, although no executions have been carried out in South Korea since the late 1990s. Despite his removal from office, Yoon continues to command a fiercely loyal base, and how his supporters respond in the coming weeks will be closely watched. As the country approaches the polls, the political landscape remains deeply fractured. A liberal victory appears increasingly likely, while the conservative camp is gripped by internal doubts and public distrust. And The climate of hostility shows little sign of dissipating.

Another day, another twist. South Korea’s political drama is becoming more gripping—and increasingly unpredictable. The Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president in yet another dramatic turn amid months of upheaval.

Han initially stepped into the role after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached for briefly declaring martial law late last year. However, his tenure as acting president was short-lived—lasting less than two weeks—before he was impeached and suspended by the opposition-controlled parliament on December 27 for refusing to appoint three additional justices to the Constitutional Court.

The decision, which could shape Yoon’s future, put Han at odds with the opposition.

An Important Verdict

On Monday, the court’s justices voted seven to one to overturn Han Duck-soo’s impeachment. Of the eight justices, five acknowledged the validity of the impeachment motion but ruled that there were insufficient grounds to remove him, as he had not violated the constitution or South Korean law regarding the martial law declaration or potential insurrection, according to a court statement. Two justices found the impeachment motion invalid from the outset, arguing that it had not secured the required two-thirds majority in parliament. Only one justice voted in favor of impeachment.

Political Deadlock in South Korea

South Korea remains mired in political deadlock, with the president and parliament locked in a standoff, each representing rival parties unwilling to display even a modicum of political maturity. The country lacks both strong and imaginative governance. While the Constitutional Court’s ruling restores a form of leadership, whether it can resolve the impasse remains uncertain.

Although the political deadlock stems from the last parliamentary election, the crisis escalated dramatically when President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly imposed martial law on December 3. Despite his attempts to retain power, he was ultimately impeached following sustained efforts by parliament. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo briefly assumed the role of acting president, only to face impeachment himself soon after. In the aftermath, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok took over as acting president while the Constitutional Court deliberated on the cases of both Yoon and Han, deepening the country’s governance turmoil.

Reinstated as acting president on Monday, Han welcomed the court’s decision and described it as a wise ruling. He emphasized the urgency of national unity, noting that citizens were clearly voicing their discontent with the country’s deeply polarized political landscape. He added that there was no room for further division and that the nation’s priority should be to move forward.

At 75, Han is a seasoned statesman with more than three decades of leadership experience, having served under five presidents from both conservative and liberal parties. In a nation deeply polarized by partisan politics, he has been regarded as a rare figure whose career transcends ideological divides. Parliament impeached him over his alleged involvement in the martial law declaration, his refusal to appoint additional justices to the Constitutional Court, and his opposition to special counsel bills targeting Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee. 

What Comes Next?

The country is grappling with one of its worst ecological crises, marked by rampant wildfires, severe drought, and escalating economic challenges—emergencies that call for strong and stable leadership. Yet, political leaders remain entrenched in their rivalries, unwilling to set aside their differences.

Despite his reinstatement, Acting President Han continues to face resistance from the opposition. The opposition-led parliament has accused him of failing to prevent Yoon’s declaration of martial law, a charge he has consistently denied. At his sole hearing on February 19, Han rejected any involvement in the decision and urged the court to dismiss the impeachment.

Yoon’s office welcomed Han’s reinstatement, stating that the ruling exposed the reckless and politically motivated nature of excessive impeachments by the national assembly. The officers expressed hope for greater stability in governance, though the next episode remains volatile.

After weeks of high drama, authorities arrested Yoon Suk Yeol, making him the first sitting president in the country’s history to face arrest. His detention, carried out by the Corruption Investigation Office, came after weeks of legal maneuvers and logistical challenges. Yoon was accused of insurrection linked to his brief declaration of martial law in early December. The standoff between the police and the president’s security service heightened the intensity of the saga. In early January, Yoon’s security team confronted police and prosecutors attempting to execute an initial arrest warrant, forcing them to retreat and secure a second warrant. Undeterred by this setback, police returned on Wednesday with an estimated 3,000 officers and successfully executed the second warrant, taking Yoon into custody. Public protests further fueled the tension, with demonstrators both supporting and opposing Yoon. Notably, opposition voices outweighed those of his supporters.

Yoon Suk Yeol can be held for up to 48 hours for questioning under the existing arrest warrant, according to media reports. After this period, authorities must decide whether to release him or seek a fresh warrant, allowing for an additional 20 days of detention. While serious allegations have been made against Yoon, he has not yet been formally charged. Inciting insurrection is one of the few crimes for which South Korean presidents have no immunity. If convicted, he could face a heavy fine, imprisonment, or even the death penalty, though South Korea has had a moratorium on executions for years. Unsurprisingly, His legal team has condemned his detention as illegal.

While Yoon undergoes questioning in the criminal case, South Korea’s constitutional court is reviewing whether to uphold the mid-December parliamentary vote to impeach him or dismiss it, allowing him to return to office and complete his five-year term. The court has 180 days from December 14 to make a decision, and analysts do not expect the eight justices to reach a quick conclusion, given the gravity of the political crisis South Korea has faced over the past five weeks. The court’s decision must be unanimous; otherwise, it will save Yoon’s presidency.

The dual political and criminal cases against Yoon will unfold in the coming weeks and months, though the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. In the worst-case scenario for Yoon, he could face a criminal trial on insurrection charges and be ousted from office by the constitutional court.

Yoon Suk Yeol’s arrest doesn’t mark the end of the turbulent period in South Korean politics that began with his declaration of martial law; rather, it elevates the political feud in the country. Despite his controversial actions, the president who declared martial law still retains support from his party and a segment of the population, highlighting the deep divisions within South Korean politics. They believe that Yoon is being targeted by left-wing politicians, with North Korea supposedly behind the move, and numerous conspiracy theories have emerged. On the other hand, the opposition believes Yoon is playing dangerous politics that could severely harm the country’s already divided political landscape.

Nevertheless, the arrest, after numerous hurdles, signals the conclusion of a pivotal phase in efforts to hold the authoritarian-leaning president accountable. It can be seen as a success for the country’s democracy, as it is spared from further disgrace. It also marks a victory for the opposition, who pushed for the arrest. When Yoon ordered armed troops to block lawmakers from entering the National Assembly, MPs, led by the main opposition Democratic Party, confronted the troops and voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to rescind it just six hours later. And definitely, This is a win for the people who protested in large numbers in the streets, even amid harsh winter conditions.

Amid the growing challenges faced by Asian economic powerhouses, South Korea is mired in political unrest and ongoing protests, with its economy suffering the consequences. The political crisis has already unsettled the nation’s economic foundations—stock markets are volatile, the South Korean won continues to weaken, and foreign investors are seeking more stable markets. Deep-seated political divisions, marked by intense rivalries and a fragmented parliament without a clear majority, have stalled efforts to craft effective policies to address the economic damage. Instead of tackling these pressing concerns, South Korea’s political leaders remain absorbed in escalating tensions and deepening divisions, leaving the country vulnerable to further economic instability.

South Korea, one of the United States’ closest allies and Asia’s fourth-largest economy, faces mounting challenges with the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. His ‘America First’ agenda and economic policies pose significant threats to South Korea. During his previous term, Trump labeled South Korea a ‘money machine,’ suggesting demands for Seoul to pay billions more to host U.S. troops—a substantial financial burden. He also pledged sweeping tariffs as part of his agenda. These measures would heavily impact South Korean exports and potentially cause a global economic ripple effect.

Trump’s focus on reducing U.S. bilateral trade deficits places South Korea at risk, as the country holds one of the largest trade surpluses with the U.S. Combined with domestic political instability, these external pressures contribute to an increasingly precarious economic outlook. South Korea’s currency, the won, which was already weak against the dollar, has further depreciated due to ongoing political unrest. The absence of clear leadership is creating uncertainty for businesses, making it difficult for them to plan for the year ahead and further deepening the nation’s economic challenges.

A recent poll by the Bank of Korea found that business sentiment has hit its lowest level in four years. The Composite Business Sentiment Index fell by 4.5 points from November, marking the lowest reading since September 2020, when the economy was reeling from the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a separate report, the central bank projected that South Korea’s economic growth in 2025 will fall below 2%, driven by weak export performance and declining consumer spending. The report further cautioned that growth could worsen if global trade tensions continue to escalate.

South Korea stands at a critical crossroads, where both politicians and economists should be working together to address the country’s faltering economy. Yet, neither side seems able to take meaningful action. Instead, the nation is mired in a deepening political crisis, leaving little room for economic solutions. President Yoon’s efforts to evade arrest following his declaration of martial law and reclaim the presidency are only likely to escalate the turmoil, stoking anger among large segments of the public. Meanwhile, his weakened position in a legislature dominated by the opposition jeopardizes even the most fundamental tasks.

Another possible outcome is the call for a new presidential election. The main opposition party, the Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority and won the last election, is pushing for this. They are likely to emerge victorious once again. Should this occur, it could bring the political stability South Korea desperately needs, aligning the presidency and parliamentary majority under the same party—a critical step in steering the country out of its current crisis. While the toxic political climate will remain, this may be the only viable path to resolving the quagmire South Korea now faces.

Amid South Korea’s frostbitten winter, a political storm grips the nation as President Yoon Suk Yeol fights to retain his hold on power. Wielding every tool at his disposal, Yoon relies heavily on incendiary rhetoric and calculated political maneuvers to discredit his critics. By labeling dissenters as traitorous or anti-national, he doubles down on a strategy rooted in far-right populism. Yoon maintains a defiant stance, resolute in his determination to fight to the end. His supporters argue that removing him would jeopardize the stability of South Korea’s hard-won democratic institutions.

Yet, on icy streets thick with police presence, crowds of citizens defy this narrative, demanding Yoon’s resignation. Their anger has intensified since Yoon’s recent move to consolidate power by undermining parliamentary authority and imposing martial law—a bold and controversial act that eventually led to his impeachment. The day after a failed arrest attempt against Yoon, rival protesters flooded the capital, their voices rising in a bitter standoff over the nation’s democratic future.

Since December 3, the nation has been engulfed in political turmoil, sparked by the declaration of martial law, which triggered a series of dramatic events. These included a failed impeachment attempt against President Yoon, followed by a successful impeachment, the appointment of an acting president, his removal, and a high-stakes yet unsuccessful attempt to arrest Yoon. Holed up in the presidential residence, Yoon is surrounded by hundreds of loyal security officers, successfully fending off prosecutors repeated efforts to detain him. On Saturday, thousands of protesters filled the streets of Seoul, demanding Yoon’s arrest. Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the country’s largest labor organization, tried to march on the presidential residence but were met with a strong police blockade.

Yoon faces criminal charges of insurrection, one of the rare offenses exempt from presidential immunity, carrying potential penalties ranging from imprisonment to, in extreme cases, the death penalty. If the arrest warrant is executed, Yoon would become the first sitting South Korean president to be detained. Investigators have urged Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, who assumed the role of acting president last week, to endorse the warrant by instructing the presidential security service to cooperate. However, the security service reported that two senior officials had declined police requests for questioning, citing the “Grave Responsibilities” of safeguarding Yoon.

On Friday, dramatic scenes unfolded as Yoon’s guards and military personnel blocked investigators, forcing them to abandon the arrest attempt due to safety concerns. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) may attempt to detain him again before the warrant expires, or they could seek a new one. Meanwhile, the constitutional court has scheduled Yoon’s impeachment trial to begin on January 14. The trial will proceed in his absence if he chooses not to attend, following precedent set by former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye, who also refrained from appearing during their impeachment proceedings.

All eyes are now on the constitutional court, where a single vote in Yoon’s favor could solidify his mandate to remain in power, while a unanimous ruling against him risks plunging the nation into deeper turmoil. This uncertainty has intensified unease across the political landscape and among the public, who are increasingly alarmed at the prospect of Yoon holding onto power. Calls for his resignation have grown more urgent, with protesters demanding his immediate departure. Many argue that the ongoing crisis has profoundly embarrassed the country on the international stage, jeopardizing South Korea’s growing reputation as a cultural powerhouse.

Despite mounting pressure, Yoon shows little inclination to step down voluntarily. He has intensified far-right rhetoric to rally his base, accusing the opposition of eroding public trust with claims of electoral malpractice in the last parliamentary election. Surprisingly, this strategy has attracted some support, bolstering his defiance. By refusing to resign, Yoon appears intent on casting himself as both a victim and a hero, using this narrative to fortify his image and consolidate his political standing.

In recent decades, South Korea has risen to the status of a cultural superpower, its influence spreading across Asia and around the world. Once overshadowed by Western powers, it now stands as a formidable competitor to the United States. The worldwide success of its music, films, and television dramas has firmly secured the country’s place on the global stage, earning it admiration from audiences far and wide. The glamour surrounding South Korea has become the envy of many, with its cultural exports shaping trends and tastes across the globe. No amount of propaganda could replicate the magnetic pull of its entertainment industry. People across the world have embraced Korean culture, preferring its models, its fashion, and its ideals, transforming South Korea into a dreamland for a rapidly growing international community.

While South Korea may seem like a dreamland to the outside world, within its borders, the nation is increasingly mired in political turmoil, with repercussions that are undermining its economic stability and making life more challenging for its citizens. Once celebrated as a beacon of democracy and free speech—values long tied to the West—the country now grapples with toxic political dynamics that threaten to unravel the very fabric of its democratic ideals. The ruling party and opposition are locked in an unrelenting struggle, hindering efforts to enact policies that could counter the economic downturn, even as bitter disputes over the national budget exacerbate divisions. Last week, these tensions reached a dramatic crescendo when the president, in a shocking move, declared martial law. The decision was quickly blocked by parliament, with the opposition forcing the president to rescind it. What followed was a political spectacle that captured global attention, offering a stark contrast to the polished image South Korea has long projected.

Despite mounting calls for President Yoon’s resignation and the intense humiliation of his actions, the conservative, ruling People’s Power Party remained resolutely united. This steadfast support endured even after confusion erupted in the wake of his martial law declaration, which drew opposition from some senior figures within his own ranks. Still, the party held firm, ensuring Yoon’s position remained secure. Across South Korea, a wave of protests swept through the cities, punctuated by dramatic and even unsettling scenes—one notably saw citizens seizing soldiers’ weapons and turning them back against their enforcers. The opposition, solidified in its demand for Yoon’s removal, found its voice amplified by a media chorus stretching across the political spectrum, all calling for his resignation. Swiftly, they moved toward impeachment, a process that, at first, appeared poised for success, as public sentiment increasingly turned against the president.

However, in the next episode, which unfolded last Saturday, the impeachment process faltered in parliament. Despite the opposition’s strong majority, they were unable to secure the two-thirds vote required to impeach the president. The ruling party, steadfast in its support for Yoon, abstained, effectively blocking the motion and leaving the country’s political crisis unresolved.

Protests against President Yoon continue to escalate, now increasingly directed at the ruling lawmakers who failed to support his impeachment. Although the president narrowly avoided removal from office, his popularity has plummeted, with public opinion polls reflecting a sharp decline in support. Yoon now faces heavy restrictions, his future increasingly clouded by uncertainty. South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported on Monday that prosecutors had formally booked Yoon, initiating a criminal investigation. Meanwhile, opposition politicians have accused his party of orchestrating a second coup by blocking his impeachment following the botched declaration of martial law last week. Three opposition parties have filed a complaint against Yoon, his former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, and martial law commander Park An-su, charging them with insurrection—a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment.

The next presidential election in South Korea is set for 2027. While conservative leaders have traditionally dominated the race, Yoon is not expected to secure a second term. The ruling party’s popularity, already in decline due to economic downturns—evident in the April parliamentary elections—has been further damaged by the martial law debacle. The liberal party, sensing an opportunity, is poised to capitalize. Despite the growing opposition, the ruling party remains unwavering in its support of Yoon, fully aware that an immediate election would spell political suicide. But the critical question persists: how can the president continue his term amid mounting restrictions, ongoing investigations, and a lack of support in a parliament where he no longer holds a majority? Meanwhile, the liberal party’s opposition is intensifying, signaling that dramatic twists and turns lie ahead as the 2027 election approaches.