SEOUL - South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has gained notoriety for defying summonses to answer questions about his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month. The joint investigation team, led by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), reported on Wednesday, December 25, 2022, the President's noncompliance with their second summons for questioning. This lack of cooperation has caused concern over the state of political accountability in the nation.
According to the CIO, Yoon's office has not responded to the latest summons, following the same silence after the first request last week. The situation has grown tense, as sources indicate the investigation team is still assessing how to proceed, hinting at the possibility of seeking Yoon's arrest if he continues to evade questioning. "We will continue waiting for Yoon on Wednesday," said an agency official, highlighting the growing frustration within the investigative body.
Since declaring martial law on December 4, Yoon has faced significant public opposition—a declaration aimed at managing what he described as “anti-state forces” which sparked the fiercest political crisis South Korea has seen in decades. His administration's actions have led to his impeachment by parliament on December 14, with lawmakers voting 204-85 for removal following allegations of insurrection and abuse of power, reminders of the severity and urgency surrounding the situation.
Yoon, who has served as South Korea's top-ranking prosecutor and took office promising to confront political corruption, has not only ignored previous summons but has publicly stated he will not evade his legal responsibilities. This refusal has elevated demands from opposition parties urging for his immediate arrest, raising fears of potential evidence tampering. Notably, one lawyer and long-time friend of the President, Seok Dong-hyeon, mentioned on Tuesday, December 24, 2022, the likelihood of Yoon’s appearance was low, citing unspecified unmet conditions.
The political atmosphere surrounding Yoon's leadership has also prompted unprecedented levels of citizen engagement, especially from women. During protests against his martial law declaration, reports suggest as many as 40% of the demonstrators were women primarily aged between late teens to 40s. Professor Hyobin Lee of Chungnam National University analyzed this trend, stating, "Women have historically been outsiders in political discourse. South Korea's proportion of female politicians is dismally low, with only 17.1% of National Assembly members being women." Such conditions highlight the long-rooted exclusion women have faced and underline the importance of their involvement now.
The protestors gathering outside the National Assembly displayed remarkable unity, with crowds singing songs throughout the night, advocating for democracy and accountability. The peaceful yet defiant stance demonstrated resilience against the martial law declaration amid fears it could encroach on democratic freedoms. This unique form of protest stands out among the historical backdrop of South Korea's political unrest, which has often been marked by violent confrontations.
Yoon's presidency had previously relied on support from younger men, particularly his overt anti-feminist rhetoric. Many men perceived his election as aligning with their grievances over contemporary gender politics, as seen by the cultural shifts taking place between men and women within South Korean society. Yet, as the opposition grows against him, this strategy has seemingly unraveled, reflecting the discontent women now articulate—a generation more willing to assert their voices.
Reflecting on the current political dynamics, Professor Lee confidently asserts, "I believe there is significant potential for greater female participation and representation." She believes this generation of women, unburdened by eras of intense discrimination, is finding its voice within political discourse, paving the way for substantial change. The momentum of protest participation demonstrates the desire for representation and advocacy, which could translate significantly to future political engagement.
With the Constitutional Court of Korea set to deliberate on Yoon's impeachment, the nation's political future remains uncertain. The court's first public hearing on the matter is scheduled for December 27, 2022, with impactful potential outcomes, including the restoration of Yoon’s presidential powers or the initiation of new elections within two months if he is removed. All eyes are now on the court as it contemplates whether to uphold the motion, and amid the uncertainties delineated by Yoon's administration, the spirit of civil engagement shines brightly, hinting at the changing tides of South Korean politics.
