SEOUL. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by parliament, marking a dramatic turn in his turbulent political career. Accused of leading an insurrection, Yoon’s fate now rests with the Constitutional Court. The decision comes after members of his own People Power Party (PPP) turned against him, leaving the embattled leader increasingly isolated.
The impeachment vote follows Yoon’s controversial imposition of martial law on December 3, a move he justified as an act of “burning patriotism” to save the nation. “I will fight to the end,” Yoon declared in a 29-minute address earlier this week. However, the speech, meant to rally support, instead fueled concerns about his judgment.
Political science professor Shin Yul of Myongji University commented, “He seems to be listening to the wrong people—right-wing extremists and YouTube personalities—and probably still thinks he did the right thing.” Opposition leaders were more scathing, with one member describing Yoon’s address as a “display of extreme delusion.”
Even within his party, Yoon’s actions have drawn mixed reactions. Ihn Yohan, a PPP lawmaker, defended Yoon, saying, “I hope we remember how the opposition party has incredibly and viciously pushed the president and his family into the corner with threats of special prosecutors and impeachment.”
Scandals and Political Setbacks
A series of scandals have overshadowed Yoon’s presidency. His wife, Kim Keon-hee, faced accusations of accepting an expensive Christian Dior handbag as a gift. Although the prosecutors declined to press charges, the controversy contributed to the PPP’s crushing defeat in April’s parliamentary elections.
Yoon also faced criticism for his refusal to fire top officials after the 2022 Halloween crowd crush tragedy, which killed 159 people. His decision to move the presidential office out of the Blue House was questioned for alleged links to feng shui beliefs, which Yoon has denied.
From Prosecutor to President
Yoon’s rise to power was marked by dramatic turns. Born to an affluent family in Seoul, he initially struggled with academics before passing the bar exam on his ninth attempt. He gained national prominence in 2016 as the prosecutor investigating then-President Park Geun-hye for corruption, famously stating, “Prosecutors are not gangsters,” when asked if he was seeking revenge.
His pursuit of justice made him a conservative icon, leading to his 2022 presidential victory. Internationally, Yoon was praised for mending ties with Japan and strengthening trilateral security cooperation with the United States. His charisma was evident when he sang “American Pie” at a White House event, delighting U.S. President Joe Biden and attendees.
Martial Law Decision Under Scrutiny
Yoon’s decision to impose martial law, reportedly advised by close allies, including Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, has become a central issue in the impeachment case. Critics argue that the move was reckless and unconstitutional, while supporters claim it was a desperate measure to counter political chaos.
The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to determine whether to uphold the impeachment. If confirmed, Yoon will be the first South Korean president removed from office since Park Geun-hye in 2017, whose impeachment Yoon himself had investigated.
This unfolding political crisis has cast uncertainty over South Korea’s leadership, leaving citizens and global observers questioning the future of one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
