Political tension echoes past martial law and impeachment proceedings as South Korea conducts its presidential election
In South Korea, presidential elections are set to take place on June 3, as reported by Reuters.
After six tumultuous months, citizens are voting to restore stability, following a brief military coup led by former president Yun Suk-yeol. The new leader will face the daunting task of unifying a society scarred by the failed military rule attempt and maintaining an export-oriented economy amidst unpredictable trade practices by the U.S., its primary trading partner and security ally.
Two candidates, Lee Jae-myung from the liberal party and conservative rival Kim Moon-soo, are running for president. Lee, currently leading in polls by 10-14%, has the backing of over half of voters. The election is a single-round contest, with the candidate securing a majority becoming president and head of South Korea's executive power.
Preliminary voting took place on May 29-30, with over a third of voters exercising their right to vote.
The Fall of Yun Suk-yeol
In early December 2024, a surprise move by President Yun Suk-yeol saw him declare martial law in the country, citing anti-state forces attempting to destabilize it. Critics denounced the decision, viewing it as an effort to divert attention from corruption accusations and dwindling approval ratings.
The National Assembly invalidated Yun's martial law declaration within two hours of its enactment, limiting its impact. On December 7, 2024, the South Korean parliament conducted a vote on impeaching the president. The ruling party boycotted the vote, necessitating a two-thirds majority (200 out of 300 deputies) to pass the impeachment bill. With opposition parties holding 192 seats and the president's "People's Power" party controlling 108, the bill fell short of the required number.
Following the failed impeachment attempt, Yun Suk-yeol pledged to resign early. This was announced by the leader of the ruling party, Han Duck-soo.
Public Address and Resignation
South Korea's president addressed the nation, expressing regret and apologizing for his actions. He also vowed not to impose martial law again. Yun Suk-yeol also stated that he would leave the decisions for normalizing the situation and his political future to the ruling party "Power to the People."
Impeachment and New Elections
In early April 2025, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Korea unanimously confirmed Yun Seok-yeol's impeachment, effectively stripping him of power. This decision was based on constitutional violations related to the declaration of martial law, including a lack of national emergency, procedural errors, and infringements on lawmakers' rights.
Following his removal, Yoon and his wife vacated the official residence. A new presidential election is scheduled for June 3, 2025, to fill the power vacuum left by Yoon's departure.
The aftermath of Yoon's impeachment continues to create political instability in South Korea, with the country preparing for a new presidential election and the political landscape remaining polarized, complete with rising far-right rhetoric and ongoing legal issues affecting key figures.
During the period following Yun Suk-yeol's resignation, war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics became central themes in South Korea. The fallout from Yun's controversial martial law declaration led to a heightened focus on policy reforms aimed at restoring trust and order in the country. General news outlets reported on the unfolding events as the nation prepared for new elections, with both liberal and conservative candidates vying for power. The elections, scheduled for June 3, 2025, were to mark a significant turning point in South Korea's history, taking place amidst ongoing political instability and rhetoric.
