7-12-2024 (SEOUL) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has narrowly survived an impeachment attempt, marking a significant moment in the nation’s political landscape as parliamentary proceedings concluded in dramatic fashion. The vote’s failure came after a pivotal last-minute reversal by ruling party representative Kim Sang-wook, who withdrew his initial support for the motion.
The failed impeachment bid has laid bare the deep-seated tensions within South Korean society, as thousands of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly in Seoul expressed their dismay at the outcome. Some demonstrators were seen openly weeping, whilst others pledged to maintain pressure on the embattled administration through continued protest actions.
Yoon’s presidency has been marked by a series of controversies that have eroded public confidence. Perhaps most damaging was his administration’s handling of the 2022 Itaewon Halloween disaster, where more than 150 people lost their lives in a catastrophic crowd crush. The tragedy sparked widespread criticism of emergency response protocols and governmental oversight.
The President’s domestic challenges have been compounded by economic headwinds, with rising food costs and anaemic growth fuelling public discontent. His administration has also faced accusations of curtailing press freedoms, a particularly sensitive issue in South Korea’s young democracy.
Further tarnishing Yoon’s reputation are a string of family-related scandals. His wife, Kim Keon Hee, found herself at the centre of controversy after being filmed accepting a designer handbag valued at approximately $2,000 Whilst Yoon defended the acceptance as a matter of cultural courtesy, the incident added to mounting public scrutiny. The first family’s troubles deepened when Kim’s mother received a one-year prison sentence for forging financial documents.
The President has also drawn criticism for his use of presidential vetoes, particularly regarding proposed investigations into alleged stock market manipulation involving his wife. This has led to accusations of abuse of power and protecting family interests over public accountability.
Public sentiment towards Yoon’s leadership has reached historic lows, with recent polling data showing his approval rating at a mere 13 percent. Earlier this year, an online petition demanding his impeachment garnered such overwhelming support that it crashed the parliamentary website’s servers.
