South Korea grapples with political chaos after Yoon's impeachment

In South Korea, electoral turbulence erupted after the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, stemming from his declaration of martial law in December 2024. This situation escalated when lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to counter Yoon's actions amid widespread protests both for and against his governance. The impeachment was officially validated by the Constitutional Court in April 2025, creating a leadership vacuum that left the nation politically unstable amid changing diplomatic relations and economic concerns, particularly with rising tariffs imposed by the United States. As the political landscape shifted, millions of voters participated in a snap election on June 3, 2025, to choose a new president to replace Yoon. Public sentiment appeared to lean heavily towards the opposition candidate, Lee Jae-myung, who had been vocal in condemning the prior administration's actions. Surveys prior to the election indicated that dissatisfaction with conservative politics, especially after the turmoil caused by Yoon's presidency, led to predictions of an easy win for Lee. The election was seen by analysts as a critical juncture for South Korea, as it marked a potential turning point following turbulent months where protests divided the populace. Internal struggles within Yoon's People Power Party reflected a broader crisis for the conservative movement, as they attempted to reconcile the fallout from the martial law declaration. As votes were cast, Lee campaigned on a platform promising to heal national divisions, reduce economic inequality, and restore faith in democracy. Meanwhile, Kim Moon-soo, the conservative challenger and former labor minister under Yoon, faced criticism over his affiliation with a disgraced administration that had just been ousted from power. The stakes were heightened with a focus on establishing clear governmental direction as South Korea confronted external pressures from regional powers and the ongoing threat posed by North Korea. The newly elected leader will be tasked with navigating these challenges while trying to unify a nation that is still grappling with the consequences of Yoon's controversial presidency.