SEOUL – South Korea is currently immersed in a political crisis stemming from the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, triggering widespread speculation about future elections and reshaping the nation's political dynamics.
On December 14, 2024, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon, primarily due to his controversial attempt to declare martial law earlier this month, which had thrown the country’s political scene, rife with protests and instability, under scrutiny. The Constitutional Court is now tasked with reviewing the impeachment to determine whether it will uphold parliament's decision to formally oust Yoon from office.
Should the court side with the Assembly, South Koreans would head to the polls within 60 days to elect Yoon’s successor. Opposition Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung currently stands as the clear front-runner with around 37% support, according to recent polls conducted by Gallup Korea. His main rivals, Han Dong-hoon and Hong Joon-pyo, garnered only 5% each.
Yet, Lee's path to potential presidency is hampered by his own legal troubles; having been convicted of election law violations, he risks being barred from standing due to the stipulations of the Public Official Election Act.
Recently, Lee has been working to delay his upcoming court trial, hoping to manage his legal battles alongside Yoon’s impeachment inquiry. His team successfully had the appeals court acknowledge their litigation request after two failed attempts to deliver documents to him. The timing is particularly strategic as his fate may very well land him against the backdrop of Yoon’s impeachment.
On the other hand, Acting President Han Duck-soo, who temporarily assumed power following Yoon’s impeachment, has unveiled his own share of controversy. The DP issued threats to impeach Han if he does not approve legislation aimed at launching a special counsel investigation against Yoon. The prime minister has been accused of complicity in Yoon's martial law attempt, as well as failing to abide by constitutional demands.
The opposition has firmly positioned themselves against Han, claiming his substantial delays are indicative of not only his complicity but also his acceptance of acting as Yoon's proxy. “The delays show the prime minister has no intention of complying with the constitution, and it is tantamount to admitting he is acting as a proxy for the insurgent,” stated Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the Democratic Party.
Thousands of South Koreans have rallied against Yoon’s presidency, with vibrant protests occurring across major cities. Demonstrators have gathered to voice their fury over Yoon’s actions, brandishing signs demanding accountability and justice. “I wanted to ask Yoon how he could do this to democracy in the 21st century,” commented 27-year-old protester Cho Sung-hyo, on the nature of the recent political upheaval.
Conversely, many of Yoon’s supporters gathered to express their discontent over the impeachment process, espousing the belief it is driven by radical forces within the opposition. “These rigged elections eat away at this country, and at the core are socialist communist powers,” asserted 62-year-old businessman Lee Young-su, reflecting the sentiments of some of Yoon's base.
The political confrontation, exemplified by Han Duck-soo’s veto of key legislation aimed to investigate Yoon, coupled with the DP's attempts to fill vacant Constitutional Court seats, complicates the path forward for both parties involved. Any delays or disruptions to the court's voiced desires for these nominations could thwart Yoon’s potential ouster.
Despite paradoxical outcomes and suggestions of maneuvering from both sides, the resistance against Yoon seems firmly entrenched. Public protests were labeled by dozens of participants, with participation exceeding hundreds of thousands at certain rallies, demanding his resignation.
Observers are left to ponder the impact of this crisis on South Korea's political future. The divide between Yoon’s supporters and opponents survives, bolstered by foundational beliefs and allegiances to oppositional ideologies.
With the Constitutional Court’s hearings set, the nation's scope for political change remains uncertain as the tug-of-war for popular support intensifies.
Each attempt at balance or destabilization sends ripples across South Korea’s political structure, providing yet another chapter for historians to analyze as the currents of democracy and political integrity clash.
