Written by Carla Elalam
Edited by Annika Lilja
Earlier last month, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, claiming it was necessary to stop “anti-state activities” as well as to protect citizens from “North Korean Communist Forces.” This marked the first use of martial law in over 40 years, but it lasted just six hours before being overturned after widespread backlash from lawmakers, citizens, and even members of Yoon’s own party.
When the National Assembly gathered, they voted 204-85 to impeach the president, making him the second South Korean president in a decade to face impeachment. The Constitutional Court now has six months to decide whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is currently the acting president, promising to keep the government stable during this time.
The crisis has revealed major political divisions in South Korea. Yoon’s leadership, focused on authority and national security, has clashed with young, reform-minded leaders like Han. Additionally, rising inflation, expensive housing, and stagnant wages have intensified dissatisfaction with their political leaders. Many argue that Yoon’s emphasis on national security has diverted attention from pressing everyday struggles, while the opposition Democratic Party faces criticism for focusing on social issues at the expense of economic priorities, leaving many citizens feeling alienated from their leadership.
Mass protests have erupted across the country in response to Yoon’s actions, with many young citizens leading peaceful demonstrations in major cities including the capital Seoul. These protests are a reminder of the public’s commitment to democratic values and their determination to hold leaders accountable.
As the Constitutional Court deliberates, the stakes are high not only for President Yoon Suk Yeol's future but also for the direction of South Korea’s democracy. The country faces critical questions about the balance between national security and individual freedoms, as well as how to address the economic challenges that have long frustrated South Korean citizens. While the future remains uncertain, it is clear that South Koreans are determined to shape a stronger democracy for their country.
Sources:
“South Korean President Faces Second Impeachment Vote over Martial Law Declaration.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 14 Dec. 2024, www.nbcnews.com/news/world/south-korean-president-second-impeachment-vote-martial-law-rcna184087.
South Korea Impeaches President Yoon Suk Yeol over Martial-Law Decision, www.wsj.com/world/asia/south-korea-president-yoon-suk-yeol-impeached-49b0779c. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.