South Korea at a Crossroads
by Jebin Lee
South Korea has been undergoing one of the most chaotic and unsettling times in its recent history. It started with President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, a dramatic and divisive decision that instantly triggered mass protests, his impeachment, and a snap election now set for June 3, 2025.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaring Martial Law in Korea
Yoon claimed he did it in response to supposed anti-government actions on the part of opposition parties and interference by North Korea, but everyone else saw it as an attempt at suppressing criticism and maintaining control. Soldiers were sent into big cities like Seoul to try to reinstate order, but instead of going back home, people filled the streets in protest. Students, activists, and regular citizens joined forces with opposition figures to protest.
The government tried to stop the National Assembly from meeting, but lawmakers weren't going to be stopped. On December 4th, in a tense and bold move, parliament members climbed over fences and forced their way into the Assembly building in order to have a quorum to vote. It was a turning point, a sign that no matter how dominant the military had grown, citizens were not going to let their democracy be shut off. On the same day, the Assembly passed a resolution to overturn martial law and began impeachment hearings against Yoon.
Protesters calling for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal from office
With Yoon suspended, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo became acting president. But he too did not last long, and within two weeks of his presidency, he was impeached for interfering with investigations and not approving important judicial appointments. The acting presidency was then passed on to Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok. Things further escalated on January 26, 2025, when Yoon was indicted on charges of insurrection by prosecutors. They accused him of having used martial law to illegally stay in power. It was the first time ever in the country's history that an incumbent or recently removed president had been indicted on such serious charges.
Political turmoil did not spare the economy, however. By February, South Korea's currency, the won, had lost significant value, causing consumers to reduce their spending and investors to withdraw their money from the country. The Bank of Korea kept interest rates firm to calm the economy, but speculation about possible U.S. trade sanctions and international backlash further fueled tensions.
On April 4, the Constitutional Court handed down its final verdict, officially removing Yoon from office. That paved the way for a snap election, to be held in early June.
The campaign is heating up, with Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung ahead in the polls with around 50.5% support. His agenda is to repair the economy, bring people together, and protect democratic values. His leading opponent is conservative People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo, who is campaigning on a platform of strong national defense and increased police funding. Also in the race are Lee Jun-seok, campaigning on a platform of political reform, and Democratic Labor Party candidate Kwon Young-guk.
This is more than just an election for a new president—this election could decide the direction of South Korea's foreign relations for the next several decades. Lee would seek to find an equilibrium among U.S.-Japan and Japanese-Chinese relations while engaging Russian and Chinese powers. Kim would prefer an increase in defense spending and an openness to negotiating an expanded role in finances for hosting U.S. troops, which would correlate with the U.S. demand.
South Korea is at a crossroads. With demonstrations ongoing, a rebounding economy, and global observers focused on the upcoming election, the future of the country has never seemed more uncertain. But to many, this election is also a chance to begin again—to prove that their democracy is resilient enough to survive even the worst of adversity.