In South Korea, following a period marked by significant political upheaval, citizens headed to the polls to elect a new president after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted from office. This change came in response to his controversial decision to enforce martial law in December.
Initially, on December 1, Yoon held discussions with his defense minister over the political deadlock in the National Assembly. The gridlock arose as opposition lawmakers attempted to impeach key government figures and reduce budgets. Prosecutors later alleged that Yoon persistently requested “emergency measures” against the opposition, foreshadowing his eventual actions.
On December 3, in a late-night television announcement, Yoon declared martial law, accusing the National Assembly of being a disruptive force in governance. The martial law proclamation, which significantly broadened government powers including the clampdown on political party activities and media restrictions, was quickly enforced by the military. Armed troops surrounded the National Assembly, seemingly to thwart any legislative response.
However, by the early hours of December 4, the situation shifted when 190 lawmakers, including some from Yoon’s own party, decisively voted to annul martial law. Shortly afterward, military forces withdrew, and the martial law was officially revoked after a Cabinet meeting in the early morning.
Despite surviving a December 7 impeachment vote mainly due to the ruling party’s abstention, Yoon faced intense scrutiny and expressed both apology and resolve to confront legal and political fallout. On December 12, Yoon defended his martial law decision, viewing it as a necessary governance act regardless of the controversy.
But, on December 14, Yoon’s presidency was dealt a critical blow as the National Assembly voted 204-85 to impeach him, resulting in his duties being suspended and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stepping in as acting president. As the year ended, legal proceedings loomed over Yoon with a warrant issued for his detention on December 31.
The legal drama continued into the new year. On January 15, Yoon was detained following raids at the presidential compound, making him the first incumbent president to face such a fate. Subsequently, on January 19, an arrest warrant was granted citing potential evidence tampering threats. His arrest sparked protests, leading to a violent intrusion into the court.
Heeding the unfolding events, on January 26, prosecutors charged Yoon with orchestrating an attempted rebellion, identifying his actions as an unlawful endeavor to dominate the legislature. However, on March 7, judicial authorities ordered Yoon’s release, casting doubt on the legitimacy of his detention.
A momentous decision on April 4 by the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment, expelling Yoon from the presidency and prompting an expedited election timeline. The government announced June 3 as the date for the forthcoming election.
Approaching election day, on April 8, the Democratic Party, the leading opposition, nominated Lee Jae-myung, former party leader, as its presidential hopeful, with opinion polls marking him as the prospective frontrunner.
Contrastingly, on May 3, the ruling People Power Party nominated Kim Moon Soo, Yoon’s ex-labor minister, but underwent internal turmoil as attempts to replace him with former Prime Minister Han resulted in chaotic reversals on May 11.
Amidst these developments, the presidential candidates, including Lee and Kim, participated in a key debate on May 18, concentrating on re-establishing political stability and tackling international trade issues.
As momentum built towards election day, early voting on May 29 saw participation across approximately 3,570 polling venues. On June 3, polling stations opened at 6 a.m. and were due to close at 8 p.m., with results anticipated soon after, concluding this turbulent chapter in South Korean politics.