South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing a major challenge after surviving an impeachment vote that saw his own party call for him to resign over imposing martial law. Despite narrowly winning the presidential election in 2022, Yoon’s recent battles have left him isolated and bitter.
The opposition vowed to try again, while Yoon’s party said it would find a “more orderly” way to resolve the crisis. Analysts say Yoon showed signs of extreme rage when martial law was in effect, citing his alleged language during arrests.
Yoon’s presidency has been marred by scandals, including one involving his wife who was accused of accepting a pricey gift. His refusal to fully own up to the scandal led to a crushing parliamentary election defeat for his party in April.
Despite these challenges, Yoon has had success on the international stage, particularly with his bold push to reverse a decades-long diplomatic row with Japan and join a three-way security cooperation with the US.
Yoon’s ability to bond on a personal level was evident at a White House event last year, where he sang “American Pie” for President Joe Biden. Born into an affluent family, Yoon rose to prominence as a prosecutor before becoming president. His path to power was marked by controversy and criticism, but he remains a key figure in South Korean politics.
The impeachment vote has left Yoon’s future uncertain, with some analysts predicting his downfall. However, Yoon’s party vowed to support him, at least for now, and the opposition will likely continue to press for his resignation.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-koreas-yoon-embittered-survivor-staggers-after-impeachment-vote-2024-12-07