South Korea’s Political Crisis: Impeachment, Martial Law, and Democratic Challenges

KAZI ABUL MONSUR, JOURNALIST#
South Korea’s recent political situation has become highly unstable and complex. On December 3, 2024, President Yoon Suk-yeol unexpectedly declared martial law, a decision that shocked the nation. He cited “anti-state forces” and threats from North Korea as reasons for the move. Following this declaration, the parliament introduced an impeachment motion against the president, and on December 14, Yoon was impeached. Subsequently, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed the role of acting president. However, he too faced impeachment shortly after, further deepening the political crisis.

Currently, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is serving as acting president. He has pledged to do everything possible to stabilize the country. Meanwhile, an arrest warrant has been issued against former President Yoon Suk-yeol, exacerbating the political unrest. This turmoil has adversely affected South Korea’s internal stability and international relations. Countries like Japan have expressed concerns over the situation, while North Korea has taken the opportunity to create additional problems for its southern neighbor. As a result, this democratic nation faces significant challenges at the beginning of the new year. Both the South Korean people and the international community await a resolution to this crisis.

Analysis of the Political Crisis
An analysis of South Korea’s current political turmoil reveals that it stems from power abuse and a decline in public trust in democratic institutions. In South Korea’s political system, the president wields substantial power. President Yoon Suk-yeol’s decision to impose martial law has been viewed as an abuse of this authority, severely damaging public confidence in his administration. Martial law often results in the suppression of fundamental rights, which is unsettling in a developed democratic nation like South Korea. Such measures could weaken the country’s democratic institutions.

Historically, various South Korean administrations have exploited the threat from North Korea to consolidate power. President Yoon employed similar tactics, generating widespread public disapproval. Corruption and power abuse have frequently surfaced in South Korean politics, leading to diminished trust in political leadership. This crisis is a reflection of such underlying issues. Opposition parties have also sought to exploit the situation for political gain, intensifying polarization and deepening the crisis. If unresolved, this crisis could have long-term implications for South Korea’s internal stability and international relations, potentially hampering economic growth. Friendly nations, particularly the United States and Japan, are reportedly working to help resolve the crisis.

South Korea’s Political Landscape
South Korea’s political arena is primarily dominated by two main factions: conservative and liberal/progressive, with smaller parties playing secondary roles. The major political parties include:

People Power Party (PPP): A conservative party currently led by President Yoon Suk-yeol. It typically advocates business-friendly policies, national security, and close ties with the United States.
Democratic Party (DP): The main opposition, known for its progressive stance. It supports welfare policies, peaceful relations with North Korea, and social justice. Former President Moon Jae-in was a notable leader of this party.
Justice Party: A smaller progressive party focusing on labor rights and environmental issues.
National Assembly Party and other minor parties play a significant role in coalition-building despite their limited electoral influence.
Under President Yoon Suk-yeol’s leadership, the PPP is in power, succeeding the DP, which governed for five years under Moon Jae-in. Political power shifts in South Korea are often driven by public trust in policies and leadership. Corruption and economic crises have historically impacted the popularity of ruling parties.

South Korea-North Korea Relations
The relationship between South Korean political parties and North Korea varies across administrations. Some parties adopt a conciliatory stance, while others take a hardline approach. During the DP’s tenure under Moon Jae-in, inter-Korean peace talks gained momentum, with summits and discussions about peace agreements. North Korea viewed the DP relatively favorably due to strategic interests, though not directly as an ally. Conversely, the PPP maintains a stringent stance against North Korea, criticizing its nuclear and missile tests and advocating for strict measures. North Korea often criticizes the PPP as a “blind follower” of the United States.

Governance and Democratic Institutions
South Korea operates as a democratic republic, with a presidential system established under the 1987 Constitution. Citizens directly elect the president and members of the National Assembly. The president serves a single five-year term, without the possibility of re-election, acting as the head of state, commander-in-chief, and chief diplomat.

Despite the robust framework, the concentration of power in the presidency raises concerns about potential authoritarianism. Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration during his tenure exemplifies such risks, sparking nationwide protests and political unrest.

South Korea’s judicial system, including the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court, functions independently. The separation of powers ensures that the legislature and executive branches operate autonomously. However, excessive presidential authority remains a contentious issue in South Korea’s political discourse.##