the Impeachment and Its Aftermath

The Constitutional Court’s ruling stemmed from Yoon’s attempt on Dec. 3 to declare a military emergency, a move deemed an overreach of power and a threat to the civilian government. This decision has triggered a snap general election slated for June, plunging the nation into a period of heightened political uncertainty.

The court persistent that Mr. Yoon’s actions in December posed a serious threat to the country’s stability.

The lead-up to the court’s verdict saw increased tensions, with both supporters and opponents of Yoon holding weekly demonstrations in Seoul.

Supporters Rally, Opponents Celebrate

Braving the rain, Yoon’s supporters marched through the capital, chanting slogans such as impeachment is illegitimate! and cancel the snap election! Their discontent reflects a deep division within South Korean society.

The Constitutional Court’s decision is destroying our country’s free democracy. Speaking as someone in their 20s or 30s,I am deeply worried about the future.

Yang Joo-young, 26, protester

conversely, celebrations erupted among those who opposed Yoon’s management, with many expressing relief and hope for a new direction for the country.

Yoon’s Defense and the Rise of Misinformation

Yoon has defended his actions, asserting that the military emergency was necessary to combat anti-state forces and perceived threats from North Korea. However,critics argue that his administration fostered political polarization and relied on misinformation to maintain support.

President Yoon’s presidency has exposed fractures in society based on political polarization and misinformation.

Minseon Ku, postdoctoral researcher at the William & Mary Global Research Institute

experts note that extreme religious figures and right-wing YouTubers played a notable role in disseminating misinformation to bolster support for Yoon.

The Road Ahead: A Potential Shift in Policy

Looking ahead, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is considered the frontrunner in the upcoming election. His party advocates for a more conciliatory approach towards North Korea, a stance that has sparked concern among some of Yoon’s supporters.

I genuinely believe South Korea is finished. It feels like we have turned into a socialist and communist country.

Park Jong-hwan, 59, Yoon supporter

The election’s outcome could considerably alter south Korea’s domestic and foreign policies, especially concerning relations with North Korea.