South Korea's Leadership Crisis: Martial Law, Impeachment, and New Beginnings

In an unprecedented political upheaval, South Korea has navigated a tumultuous period marked by the impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law. The nation now embarks on a path of restoration under newly elected President Lee Jae-myung, who has appointed the first civilian defense minister in over six decades.

On December 3, 2024, President Yoon declared martial law, alleging that the opposition Democratic Party was engaged in "anti-state activities" and collaborating with North Korean forces. This declaration suspended political activities and press freedoms, leading to widespread protests and international condemnation. The National Assembly swiftly convened an emergency session, with 190 legislators present, unanimously voting to demand the lifting of martial law. Facing mounting pressure, Yoon rescinded the declaration approximately six hours after its announcement.

The National Assembly voted 204 to 85 to impeach President Yoon on December 14, 2024, suspending him from office pending a Constitutional Court ruling. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed the role of acting president. On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld Yoon's impeachment, formally removing him from office.

Yoon was arrested on January 15, 2025, on charges of insurrection related to his martial law declaration. A special prosecutor sought an arrest warrant for Yoon on obstruction charges related to his refusal to comply with legal summonses concerning the martial law investigation. However, on June 25, 2025, a South Korean court denied this request.

A snap presidential election was held on June 3, 2025, resulting in the election of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, who assumed office on June 4. President Lee appointed Ahn Gyu-back as the country's first civilian defense minister in 64 years, aiming to restore trust in civilian leadership following the martial law controversy.

The declaration of martial law and subsequent political turmoil had profound effects on South Korean society. Yoon's actions were perceived as a severe breach of democratic norms, leading to widespread protests and a significant decline in public trust in the presidency. The crisis intensified divisions between conservative and liberal factions, with the impeachment process highlighting deep-seated political tensions. The appointment of a civilian defense minister signifies a shift towards reinforcing civilian oversight of the military, aiming to prevent future misuse of military power in politics.

Yoon's impeachment marks the second time a South Korean president has been removed from office through this process, following the 2017 impeachment of Park Geun-hye. However, Yoon's case is unprecedented due to the martial law declaration and the rapid sequence of events leading to his removal.

The events surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law and subsequent impeachment have had profound implications for South Korea's political landscape. The swift response by democratic institutions and the public underscores the resilience of the nation's commitment to democratic principles. The appointment of President Lee Jae-myung and his initiatives, such as the historic appointment of a civilian defense minister, signal a concerted effort to restore public trust and reinforce civilian oversight of the military.