The Hindu: Published on 21st Dec 2024:
Why in News?
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is at the center of a severe political crisis. His controversial decision to declare martial law on December 3, 2024, led to massive public outrage. The National Assembly overturned the decision and later impeached Yoon on December 14, 2024, intensifying the crisis. Yoon now plans to fight the impeachment in South Korea's Constitutional Court.
How it Started:
Yoon Suk Yeol rose to prominence as Prosecutor General under President Moon Jae-in’s liberal administration.
In 2019, when Cho Guk was appointed Justice Minister, Yoon exposed corruption allegations against him, triggering massive protests and political divides.
This conflict turned Yoon into a hero for conservatives who viewed him as the right candidate to challenge Moon’s government.
In March 2022, despite controversies and lack of political experience, Yoon won the Presidential election against the Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung by a narrow margin.
Two Koreas in South Korea:
South Korean society is deeply polarized along generational, ideological, and regional lines.
Conservatives:
Older, wealthy, business-oriented, pro-American.
Strongholds: Gyeongsang North, Gyeongsang South, and Gangwon provinces.
Inspired by authoritarian leader Park Chung-hee.
Liberals:
Younger, educated, middle-class, critical of Japan, favoring engagement with North Korea.
Strongholds: Jeolla North and Jeolla South provinces.
Inspired by Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun.
Social media and vendetta politics have worsened this divide, with each administration targeting its predecessor.
Presidency under Yoon:
Yoon's tenure began in March 2022 but quickly faced challenges due to his:
- Lack of political experience.
- Controversial foreign policies (supporting Japan, attending NATO summit, visiting Ukraine).
- Strained relations with Russia and China while empowering North Korea to strengthen ties with these nations.
- Domestically, his heavy-handed decisions such as doubling medical student seats and targeting Opposition leaders deepened public unease.
- Allegations of corruption against his wife (e.g., Dior bag scandal) further eroded his credibility.
- In April 2024, Opposition parties secured a majority in the National Assembly, intensifying clashes with Yoon’s administration.
What Lies Ahead:
In desperation, Yoon declared martial law on December 3, 2024, leading to public backlash and protests.
Martial law was overturned by the National Assembly, which later passed an impeachment motion on December 14 with 204 votes.
Yoon remains defiant, vowing to challenge the impeachment in the Constitutional Court, where conservative-leaning judges may decide his fate.
Meanwhile, the Opposition faces its challenges:
Leader Lee Jae-myung may face a corruption conviction by March 2025.
Former Justice Minister Cho Guk has already been sentenced to jail.
Conclusion:
The current political crisis exposes deep polarization, institutional weakness, and political immaturity in South Korea. While Yoon’s fate remains uncertain, this situation has sparked a broader debate about South Korea’s democratic stability. The South Korean public, despite their divisions, recognize the importance of safeguarding democracy to preserve the nation’s image and future.
