In a historic ruling, South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Friday upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, three years after he took office. The decision stemmed from Yoon’s controversial move to impose martial law in December, marking another chapter in the country’s history of troubled presidencies.
Yoon’s removal resonates with the events of eight years prior when the same court ousted former conservative President Park Geun-hye over allegations of bribery, abuse of power, and leaking state secrets. The South Korean political landscape has a storied history of presidential upheavals involving coups, corruption, and scandal.
South Korea’s venture into tumultuous presidential leadership began with its first president, Syngman Rhee, who assumed office in 1948 with U.S. support. An advocate for Korean independence, Rhee’s rule grew increasingly authoritarian following the Korean War. Allegations of corruption and nepotism tainted his later years, leading to his exile in 1960.
Park Chung-hee, an army general who seized control in a 1961 coup, is remembered both as an architect of South Korea’s economic rise and as a dictator known for his oppressive tactics. His tenure ended abruptly in 1979 when he was assassinated by his intelligence chief.
Chun Doo-hwan rose to power through a military coup in 1979, leading South Korea as a dictator until pro-democracy movements forced constitutional reforms. In the years following his presidency, Chun faced trial for his part in the coup and human rights violations but was later pardoned.
Roh Tae-woo, a key figure in Chun’s regime, won a landmark democratic election in 1987 amidst a divisive opposition. In 1995, both Roh and Chun faced legal repercussions for charges of bribery and their earlier coup involvement, ending with pardons in 1997.
The presidency of Kim Young-sam, known for his dedication to democratization, was marked by efforts toward anti-corruption reforms. However, the Asian financial crisis of the late ’90s heavily impacted his administration, leading to a significant IMF bailout.
Kim Dae-jung, a notable opposition figure, became president in 1998 amid a climate ripe for reconciliation with North Korea. His administration was celebrated internationally, earning him a Nobel Peace Prize, though marred by corruption scandals later.
Roh Moo-hyun, elected as a reformist in 2002, faced numerous political challenges from conservatives during his tenure. Though initially impeached in 2004, he was reinstated shortly afterward but ended his life tragically in 2009 amid political scandal.
Lee Myung-bak’s presidency, commencing in 2008, promised economic growth but was plagued by unmet expectations and corruption allegations. Legal troubles culminated in a prison sentence, which was subsequently softened by a presidential pardon.
The tenure of Park Geun-hye, South Korea’s first female president, was riddled with controversy following a ferry disaster and accusations of exploiting authority. Her impeachment in 2017 triggered a political shift despite her protests of innocence.
Yoon Suk Yeol ascended from a prosecutorial background to the presidency in 2022, confronting a predominantly liberal-leaning legislature. His winter of discontent unfolded with a martial law declaration, purportedly to discipline legislative adversaries. Despite his defensive stance, the assembly quickly canceled the martial law, and Yoon’s eventual impeachment led to investigations and charges yet to unfold. His legal battles continue as he faces potential proceedings now stripped of his presidential immunity.