World
December 4, 2024 11:20
seoul - The controversial South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol unexpectedly declared and then revoked a military state of emergency, causing political turmoil in the country.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who came to power in 2022, has been facing mounting pressure. The parliamentary elections in April dealt a blow to his administration, with the opposition emerging victorious. This outcome reinforced the growing sentiment in the country that the people have lost trust in the president.
A few years ago, the situation was different when the now 63-year-old Yoon, from the People Power Party (PPP), entered politics as a newcomer. Born in Seoul, Yoon gained prominence through his previous positions in the legal field, including serving as the head of the South Korean judiciary. In that role, he was involved in the convictions of former presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak for abuse of power. Yoon later, as the Attorney General of South Korea, was also involved in the conviction of politician Cho Kuk, a key figure in the Moon Jae-in government.
Yoon narrowly won the presidential elections two years ago, defeating his liberal opponent Lee Jae-myung. The expectations were high for his administration to revive traditional norms and values. Divisions in South Korean society over gender issues were prevalent. Yoon is also known for his aggressive stance towards North Korea, as highlighted in his TV address on Tuesday evening, when he abruptly declared the military state of emergency to protect the country from 'the threat of reprehensible pro-North Korean and anti-state forces.'
Despite being in office for a hundred days, Yoon's popularity has declined, according to South Korean media. His domestic policies faced setbacks, including high energy prices and inflation. Yoon's numerous blunders that went viral in South Korea further tarnished his image. During his 2022 campaign, he praised Chun Doo-hwan, an authoritarian president responsible for declaring martial law and the deaths of protesters in 1980, as 'good at politics.'
Yoon has been at odds with his political opponents from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), chiefly over next year's budget. He appointed many former prosecutors to key positions and his party was linked to several scandals, mostly involving his wife Kim Keon Hee, who faced allegations of corruption and influence peddling, such as receiving a Dior bag from a pastor.
With little public support, distrust within his own party and government, and a string of scandals, Yoon's decision to declare the military state of emergency has sparked political chaos and anger in the country. Experts believe Yoon felt he was losing control and made a desperate move, leading to the current turmoil. A parliamentary vote on an impeachment process is expected to take place on Friday or Saturday.
Last year, Yoon visited the Netherlands, becoming the first South Korean president to make a state visit to the country, where he toured ASML among other engagements. 'Our relations run deep, and we exchange knowledge in various fields. Green agriculture, renewable energy, for example,' said the Dutch ambassador in Seoul at the time. The two countries have had diplomatic relations since 1961.