Analysis: South Korea faces significant challenges after Yoon removed
South Korea's constitutional court's decision is less a victory for democracy and more a sign of challenges ahead.
Significance. The Constitutional Court's unanimous decision to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office on April 4, 2025, has elicited widespread public reactions, ranging from jubilant celebrations to vehement protests. While this verdict is seen by many as a triumph for democratic accountability, it simultaneously exposes and potentially exacerbates underlying challenges within South Korea's political and social fabric.
The nation's entrenched polarization, the normalization of extremist rhetoric, and the erosion of democratic norms pose significant threats to its stability and governance.
Analysis. President Yoon Suk-yeol's tenure culminated in controversy when he declared martial law on December 3, 2024, citing threats from opposition forces. This unprecedented move involved deploying military personnel to obstruct the National Assembly's functions, leading to immediate domestic and international condemnation. The National Assembly responded by impeaching Yoon on December 14, 20…