{"id":2207595,"date":"2024-12-23T15:11:47","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T06:11:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2207595"},"modified":"2024-12-24T14:40:19","modified_gmt":"2024-12-24T05:40:19","slug":"south-koreas-chaotic-2024-impeachment-martial-law-and-political-upheaval","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-koreas-chaotic-2024-impeachment-martial-law-and-political-upheaval\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea\u2019s chaotic 2024: Impeachment, martial law and political upheaval"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Korea\u2019s political landscape in 2024 was marked by dramatic twists and upheavals, reshaping the nation\u2019s trajectory. Korea Pro revisits 12 pivotal moments \u2014 from leadership shake-ups to the shockwaves of martial law \u2014 that defined the year, presented in chronological order.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>1. Main opposition leader stabbed during site tour<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207598\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207598\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207598\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/ljmafterstabbing.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/ljmafterstabbing.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/ljmafterstabbing-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/ljmafterstabbing-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207598\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, delivers a statement upon being discharged from Seoul National University Hospital following inpatient treatment after suffering a knife attack to the neck on Jan. 2 | Image: <a href=\"https:\/\/theminjoo.kr\/main\/sub\/contents\/gallery-photo.php?sno=361&amp;brd=14&amp;post=1201640\">Democratic Party<\/a> (Jan. 10, 2024)<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed by an assailant while visiting a construction site for Busan\u2019s new Gadeok Island airport on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/01\/attack-on-main-opposition-leader-shakes-south-korean-political-scene\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jan. 2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The attack occurred shortly after a press briefing. Lee was rushed to Pusan National University Hospital, where doctors treated a half-inch (1.4 cm) wound that damaged a vital vein. The attacker, a 67-year-old man surnamed Kim, was arrested on-site, confessed to intending to kill Lee, and was later <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yna.co.kr\/view\/AKR20240705048351051\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sentenced<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to 15 years in prison. The court condemned the act as a \u201cserious challenge to representative democracy.\u201d President Yoon Suk-yeol denounced the attack, calling violence \u201cintolerable in a democratic society\u201d and urging a swift investigation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The assassination attempt exposed deep cracks in South Korea\u2019s political culture. Experts warned that growing tribalism and hate-fueled rhetoric are eroding democratic norms. Public reactions ranged from condemnation to disturbing celebrations in radical circles, underscoring desensitization to violence. While the attack briefly united political rivals in denouncing violence, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/01\/assassination-attempt-on-opposition-leader-signals-decaying-political-culture\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">experts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> argued that reversing these destructive trends requires not just denouncing violence, but also rebuilding spaces for substantive policy discussions and fostering respect for democratic institutions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>BRIEFING: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/01\/attack-on-main-opposition-leader-shakes-south-korean-political-scene\/\"><b>Attack on main opposition leader shakes South Korean political scene<\/b><\/a><b> (Jan. 3, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/01\/assassination-attempt-on-opposition-leader-signals-decaying-political-culture\/\"><b>Assassination attempt on opposition leader signals decaying political culture<\/b><\/a><b> (Jan. 5, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>2. A short-lived alliance between Lee Nak-yeon and Lee Jun-seok\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207599\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207599\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207599\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/LeeNakyonLeeJunseok.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/LeeNakyonLeeJunseok.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/LeeNakyonLeeJunseok-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/LeeNakyonLeeJunseok-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207599\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lee Nak-yon (right), pictured during Seollal greetings on Feb. 9, 2024 and Lee Jun-seok, pictured during his tenure as People Power Party leader in May. 2022. | Image: Lee Nak-yon via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/photo.php?fbid=934880741334609&amp;set=pb.100044380751075.-2207520000&amp;type=3\">Facebook<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplepowerparty.kr\/news\/issue_photo_view\/65127?page=1&amp;\">People Power Party<\/a>, edited by Korea Pro<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The New Reform Party (NRP), a coalition aimed at breaking South Korea\u2019s two-party dominance, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yna.co.kr\/view\/AKR20240220075200001?section=election2024\/news&amp;site=major_news01\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dissolved<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on Feb. 20, just 11 days after its formation. The collapse stemmed from internal disputes over strategy and policy direction between co-leaders Lee Nak-yon, a former DP leader, and Lee Jun-seok, a former People Power Party (PPP) chair. Lee Nak-yon later <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yna.co.kr\/view\/AKR20240220061352001?section=election2024\/news&amp;site=major_news01_related\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">announced<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> plans to lead his newly formed New Future Party. Despite its short lifespan, the NRP had briefly surged to become the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ikbc.co.kr\/article\/view\/kbc202402130062\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">third most popular<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, raising \u2014 and then dashing \u2014 hopes for a viable centrist alternative.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Touted as a \u201cbig tent\u201d solution to South Korea\u2019s polarized politics, the NRP\u2019s swift collapse exposed the challenges of uniting diverse ideologies. While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/02\/pitfalls-and-prospects-for-south-koreas-unlikely-new-political-party\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">experts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> saw potential in its focus on pragmatic policymaking, ideological rifts proved insurmountable. The failure highlighted the entrenched dominance of the PPP and DP, leaving minor parties struggling to mount meaningful challenges in April\u2019s parliamentary elections. For now, South Korea\u2019s political duopoly remains unshaken.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>BRIEFING: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/02\/unlikely-allies-unite-to-challenge-south-koreas-political-duopoly\/\"><b>Unlikely allies unite to challenge South Korea\u2019s political duopoly<\/b><\/a><b> (Feb. 12, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/02\/pitfalls-and-prospects-for-south-koreas-unlikely-new-political-party\/\"><b>Pitfalls and prospects for South Korea\u2019s unlikely new political party<\/b><\/a><b> (Feb. 16, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>BRIEFING: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/02\/south-koreas-big-tent-coalition-collapses-over-irreconcilable-differences\/\"><b>South Korea\u2019s big tent coalition collapses over irreconcilable differences<\/b><\/a><b> (Feb. 21, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/02\/centrist-dreams-falter-as-south-koreas-big-tent-party-collapses\/\"><b>Election Watch: Centrist dreams falter as South Korea\u2019s big tent party collapses<\/b><\/a><b> (Feb. 23, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>3. Opposition parties triumph in parliamentary elections\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207600\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207600\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207600\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/6-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/6-1.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/6-1-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/6-1-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207600\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung (center, front row) and other party members celebrate at the exit poll results for South Korea&#8217;s 22nd parliamentary elections, April 10, 2024 | Image: <a href=\"https:\/\/theminjoo.kr\/main\/sub\/contents\/gallery-photo.php?sno=0&amp;brd=14&amp;post=1203559\">Democratic Party<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> South Korea\u2019s opposition parties secured a landmark victory in the 22nd parliamentary elections, capturing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/04\/south-koreas-historic-opposition-win-sets-the-stage-for-a-political-showdown\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">192<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> seats in the National Assembly. The DP claimed 175 seats \u2014 the largest win for an opposition party in South Korean history \u2014 while its ally, the Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP), added 12. Three smaller opposition parties contributed six more seats. The PPP won just 108 seats, marking its third consecutive defeat. Although the opposition bloc fell short of the 200-seat supermajority needed to amend the constitution and nullify presidential vetoes, it secured overwhelming legislative control, leaving Yoon to govern without majority support for the entirety of his term.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The results dealt a major blow to Yoon\u2019s agenda, stalling plans for deregulation, tax cuts, medical reform and abolishing the gender ministry. While the DP\u2019s 192-seat bloc prevented it from pursuing impeachment alone, it could fast-track legislation and intensify investigations into Yoon\u2019s administration. The elections also marked a turning point for South Korea\u2019s progressive movement, with the Green Justice Party <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/04\/south-koreas-historic-opposition-win-sets-the-stage-for-a-political-showdown\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">failing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to secure any seats for the first time in 20 years. Following the loss, party leader Sim Sang-jung retired, signaling a potential shift in South Korea\u2019s left-leaning politics. For the PPP, the defeat reinforced its struggle to regain footing amid mounting public discontent.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>BRIEFING: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/04\/south-koreas-opposition-triumphs-in-general-elections-dealing-blow-to-yoon\/\"><b>South Korea\u2019s opposition triumphs in general elections, dealing blow to Yoon<\/b><\/a><b> (April 11, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/04\/south-koreas-historic-opposition-win-sets-the-stage-for-a-political-showdown\/\"><b>South Korea\u2019s historic opposition win sets the stage for a political showdown<\/b><\/a><b> (April 12, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>4. Yoon and Lee hold first formal meeting<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207601\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207601\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207601\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/1_240429_01_\ub300\ud1b5\ub839-\ubbfc\uc8fc\ub2f9-\ub2f9\ub300\ud45c-\ud68c\ub2f4_011-copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/1_240429_01_\ub300\ud1b5\ub839-\ubbfc\uc8fc\ub2f9-\ub2f9\ub300\ud45c-\ud68c\ub2f4_011-copy.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/1_240429_01_\ub300\ud1b5\ub839-\ubbfc\uc8fc\ub2f9-\ub2f9\ub300\ud45c-\ud68c\ub2f4_011-copy-935x500.jpg 935w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207601\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">DP leader Lee Jae-myung reads his prepared keynote remark on April 29, 2024, at his first formal meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol | Image: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.president.go.kr\/newsroom\/photo_news\/SqK9wTW6\">ROK Presidential Office<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoon met Lee Jae-myung on April 29 \u2014 their first formal meeting since the former\u2019s inauguration 720 days earlier. The meeting, held after weeks of failed negotiations, had no predefined agenda. Lee opened with a 15-minute public statement, accusing Yoon\u2019s administration of \u201cautocratization\u201d and mishandling the economy. He demanded an apology for vetoing key legislation, called for expedited pension reform and requested investigations into a marine\u2019s death and the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush incident.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The two-hour meeting ended without progress or a joint statement. Yoon rejected Lee\u2019s proposal for universal cash vouchers and remained unresponsive to calls for investigations into the marine\u2019s death and alleged misconduct involving the first lady. While both sides showed some openness on revisiting the Itaewon tragedy and increasing medical school quotas, the DP expressed frustration, accusing Yoon of rejecting meaningful cooperation. The meeting highlighted the entrenched ideological divide between the government and opposition, with little indication of improved relations in the near future.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>BRIEFING: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/04\/first-formal-meeting-between-yoon-and-opposition-leader-yields-scant-progress\/\"><b>First formal meeting between Yoon and opposition leader yields scant progress<\/b><\/a><b> (April 30, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>5. Itaewon inquiry passed, marine probe vetoed<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207602\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207602\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207602\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/itaewon_marinebills.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/itaewon_marinebills.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/itaewon_marinebills-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/itaewon_marinebills-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207602\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Former ROK marines demand a special probe investigation bill for the death of a marine who lost his life during a search and rescue mission at a protest on <a href=\"https:\/\/theminjoo.kr\/main\/sub\/contents\/gallery-photo.php?sno=171&amp;brd=14&amp;post=1204119\">June 1<\/a>, mourners gather for the one-year anniversary of the Itaewon disaster on <a href=\"https:\/\/theminjoo.kr\/main\/sub\/news\/view.php?brd=14&amp;post=1200309\">Oct. 29, 2023<\/a> | Images: Democratic Party, edited by Korea Pro<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> On May 2, the National Assembly passed the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.go.kr\/lsInfoP.do?lsiSeq=262693&amp;viewCls=lsRvsDocInfoR#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itaewon disaster bill<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, mandating a re-investigation into the 2022 crowd crush incident. The bill passed unanimously after rare bipartisan revisions, including changes to the commission\u2019s structure. However, unity collapsed the next day when the DP unilaterally passed a bill to appoint a special counsel to investigate alleged negligence in the 2023 death of Marine Corporal <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/koreajoongangdaily.joins.com\/2023\/07\/20\/national\/socialAffairs\/korea-yecheon-rain\/20230720190721482.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chae Su-geun<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during flood rescue operations. The PPP boycotted the vote, accusing the DP of politicizing the marine\u2019s death. Chae\u2019s death, linked to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/koreajoongangdaily.joins.com\/2023\/07\/20\/national\/socialAffairs\/korea-yecheon-rain\/20230720190721482.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inadequate safety measures<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, sparked public outcry and calls for accountability. Yoon <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawtimes.co.kr\/news\/198456\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vetoed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the special counsel bill, further escalating tensions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Yoon\u2019s veto of the marine probe marked the 10th of his presidency, a record since democratization, and drew sharp criticism for stifling legislative dialogue. Public discontent over his vetoes continues to grow; a <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/nbsurvey.kr\/archives\/6323\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Barometer Survey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found 67% of South Koreans supported the special counsel bill. Experts warned that Yoon\u2019s frequent use of veto power risked alienating voters and deepening opposition frustrations, potentially eroding his administration\u2019s credibility and further damaging the PPP\u2019s public standing.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/05\/south-koreas-political-landscape-faces-turmoil-amid-absence-of-compromise\/\"><b>South Korea\u2019s political landscape faces turmoil amid absence of compromise<\/b><\/a><b> (May 8, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>6. October by-elections reveal weaknesses in major parties<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207603\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207603\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207603\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/hanlee_octelections.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/hanlee_octelections.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/hanlee_octelections-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/hanlee_octelections-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207603\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From left: Ruling People Power Party Leader Han Dong-hoon campaigns in Busan on Oct. 12, opposition Democratic Party Leader Lee Jae-myung during campaigning in Busan&#8217;s Geumjeong District on Oct. 12 | Images: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplepowerparty.kr\/news\/issue_photo_view\/103575?page=2&amp;\">People Power Party<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/theminjoo.kr\/main\/sub\/contents\/gallery-photo.php?sno=0&amp;brd=14&amp;post=1206509\">Democratic Party<\/a>, edited by Korea Pro<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> On <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/news.kbs.co.kr\/news\/pc\/view\/view.do?ncd=8083455\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oct. 16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the PPP and the DP each retained control of their traditional strongholds in local by-elections. The PPP defended key districts in Busan\u2019s Geumjeong and Incheon\u2019s Ganghwa, despite Yoon\u2019s record-low 22% approval rating amid scandals involving the first lady. The DP secured two county chief seats in its South Jeolla stronghold but faced unexpected challenges from progressive rivals. In Yeonggwang County, the DP candidate won with just 41.1% of the vote, underscoring voter dissatisfaction. The by-elections were the first electoral test since the DP\u2019s landslide win in April\u2019s parliamentary elections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The results exposed vulnerabilities for both parties. The DP\u2019s struggles in Yeonggwang and the unexpected challenges it faced from the RKP suggested a growing appetite for political diversity among disillusioned voters. For the PPP, victories in conservative strongholds came at the cost of distancing from Yoon\u2019s embattled administration, with party leader Han Dong-hoon appealing to Yoon\u2019s critics. The elections highlighted cracks in each party\u2019s base, with implications for their 2025 and 2027 strategies. Additionally, the DP may face intra-party disputes due to Lee Jae-myung\u2019s legal challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/10\/why-the-results-of-south-koreas-by-elections-mask-growing-political-fissures\/\"><b>Why the results of South Korea\u2019s by-elections mask growing political fissures<\/b><\/a><b> (Oct. 22, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>7. Yoon faces scandal, offers unconvincing apology<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207604\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207604\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207604\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/kimkeonheeyoonplane.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/kimkeonheeyoonplane.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/kimkeonheeyoonplane-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/kimkeonheeyoonplane-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207604\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee before their departure to Laos on Oct. 11, 2024 | Image: R<a href=\"https:\/\/www.president.go.kr\/newsroom\/photo_news\/rTXwjRMp\">OK Presidential Office<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On Nov. 7, Yoon <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oKaUokdLBLk\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apologized publicly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> amid mounting allegations of election interference and influence peddling involving first lady Kim Keon-hee. The scandal erupted on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/11\/yoon-battles-scandal-as-calls-for-probe-on-first-ladys-influence-gain-momentum\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oct. 31<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, when opposition lawmakers released recordings suggesting Yoon had discussed a political nomination with a broker linked to Kim. During a 140-minute press conference, Yoon admitted \u201cshortcomings\u201d but dismissed the allegations, defending his involvement in the nomination process. As the controversy widened, new claims of poll manipulation and favoritism in government appointments emerged. Yoon\u2019s approval rating plummeted to a historic low of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gallup.co.kr\/gallupdb\/reportContent.asp?seqNo=1516\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with opposition calls for an independent investigation into Kim intensifying. Yoon rejected external probes, citing constitutional concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Yoon\u2019s apology did little to ease public outrage, with critics accusing him of deflection and insincerity. The scandal fueled calls for accountability and highlighted potential legal risks for the president, particularly concerning election law violations. While impeachment remained unlikely due to a lack of PPP support, Yoon\u2019s credibility and political momentum suffered. Analysts warned that prolonged fallout could lead to internal shake-ups and further erode public trust, making it harder for Yoon to govern effectively or recover politically.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/11\/yoon-battles-scandal-as-calls-for-probe-on-first-ladys-influence-gain-momentum\/\"><b>Yoon battles scandal as calls for probe on first lady\u2019s influence gain momentum<\/b><\/a><b> (November 8, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>8. Lee Jae-myung faces mixed legal verdicts<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207605\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207605\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207605\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/16.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/16.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/16-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/16-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207605\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">DP leader Lee Jae-myung and other party lawmakers look through documents at Lee\u2019s office in Nov. 2024 | Image: Lee Jae-myung via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/2_jaemyung\/p\/DC_95GWSg5d\/?img_index=2\">Instagram<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> On Nov. 15, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was convicted of disseminating false information during his 2022 presidential campaign, receiving a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. The court ruled under Article 250 of the Public Official Election Act. Ten days later, Lee was acquitted of allegations that he pressured a witness to commit perjury in a 2018 election case, with the court citing insufficient evidence. These verdicts have marked the latest developments in a series of legal battles facing the DP leader.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Lee\u2019s legal troubles are far from over, with ongoing investigations into corruption and alleged illegal funds transfers to North Korea. If his Nov. 15 conviction is upheld, it could end his parliamentary career and bar him from running in the 2027 presidential election, potentially derailing his political future. A finalized conviction could also force the DP to repay $32 million (43.1 billion won) in campaign subsidies and forfeit Lee\u2019s $220,000 (300 million won) candidate deposit, compounding financial strains. The outcomes of these cases, potentially finalized by mid-2025, will be pivotal in shaping the DP\u2019s strategy and prospects ahead of the next presidential race.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/11\/lee-jae-myung-verdict-disrupts-south-koreas-opposition-party-and-2027-election\/\"><b>Lee Jae-myung verdict disrupts South Korea\u2019s opposition party and 2027 election<\/b><\/a><b> (Nov. 18, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>BRIEFING: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/11\/seoul-court-acquits-opposition-leader-lee-of-perjury-solicitation-charges\/\"><b>Seoul court acquits opposition leader Lee of perjury solicitation charges<\/b><\/a><b> (Nov. 26, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>9. Yoon declares martial law, faces immediate backlash\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207606\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207606\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207606\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/17.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/17.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/17-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/17-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207606\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lawmakers\u2019 aides and citizens try to stop martial law troops from entering the National Assembly building, Dec. 3, 2024 | Image: Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung via <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Jaemyung_Lee\/status\/1864599997045756349\">X<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> On Dec. 3, Yoon declared martial law in a late-night televised address, citing threats from \u201canti-state factions\u201d to the liberal constitutional order. It was the first invocation of martial law since 1979. Troops, under the command of General Park An-soo, stormed the National Assembly, breaking windows and clashing with legislative staff. Political activities, including legislative operations, were suspended. In the early hours of Dec. 4, 190 lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution to revoke martial law, prompting troop withdrawal after just two and a half hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The brief but dramatic declaration plunged South Korea into a constitutional crisis, raising alarms about executive overreach and democratic stability. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung called the action unconstitutional and void, citing Yoon\u2019s failure to secure Cabinet approval. The crisis galvanized opposition parties as public concerns over authoritarianism grew. Financial markets reacted sharply, with the Korean won depreciating overnight before stabilizing. However, lingering uncertainty about Yoon\u2019s political future could deter foreign investment and weaken business confidence, casting a long shadow over his administration.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>BRIEFING: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-korean-lawmakers-reject-martial-law-hours-after-presidential-declaration\/\"><b>South Korean lawmakers reject martial law hours after presidential declaration<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 4, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-korea-grapples-with-fallout-from-presidents-martial-law-declaration\/\"><b>South Korea grapples with fallout from president\u2019s martial law declaration<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 4, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>PODCAST: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/category\/south-korea-news-podcast\/latest\/south-koreas-martial-law-crisis-and-its-fallout-ep-51\/2207391\"><b>South Korea\u2019s martial law crisis and its fallout \u2014 Ep. 5<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 4, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/timeline-the-swift-rise-and-fall-of-martial-law-in-south-korea\/\"><b>Timeline: The swift rise and fall of martial law in South Korea<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 5, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/martial-law-erodes-trust-in-south-koreas-president-and-democratic-institutions\/\"><b>Martial law erodes trust in South Korea\u2019s president and democratic institutions<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 9, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/yoons-martial-law-echoes-authoritarian-playbook-but-fails-in-modern-korea\/\"><b>Yoon\u2019s martial law echoes authoritarian playbook but fails in modern Korea<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 10, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-koreas-political-crisis-whos-who-in-martial-law-declaration-fallout\/\"><b>South Korea\u2019s political crisis: Who\u2019s who in martial law declaration fallout<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 12, 2024)\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>10. Yoon survives first impeachment vote amid PPP boycott<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207607\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207607\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207607\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/19.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/19.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/19-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/19-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207607\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Citizens demonstrate in front of the National Assembly for Yoon\u2019s impeachment and the ruling People Power Party\u2019s \u201clegal disbandment\u201d on Dec. 14 | Image: Korea Pro<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On Dec. 7, Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment vote in the National Assembly, with 195 lawmakers participating \u2014 five short of the 200 votes required for removal. The impeachment, led by the DP and five minor opposition parties, accused Yoon of violating 16 constitutional articles and six legal statutes in connection with his Dec. 3 martial law declaration. Most lawmakers from the PPP boycotted the vote, though three \u2014 Ahn Cheol-soo, Kim Yea-ji and Kim Sang-wook \u2014 cast their ballots. Earlier that day, Yoon <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.president.go.kr\/president\/speeches\/xhvYa8MJ\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">issued<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a brief public apology for the martial law declaration, acknowledging it caused public \u201canxiety\u201d and pledging to delegate governance to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and the PPP. He vowed that there would be no further martial law declarations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Yoon avoided impeachment, his political standing was tenuous. Public dissatisfaction intensified, with protests demanding his resignation and outrage over the PPP\u2019s boycott. Major newspapers featured images of the 105 PPP lawmakers who abstained, amplifying criticism of the ruling party. Polls showed over <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hani.co.kr\/arti\/politics\/politics_general\/1171044.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">70%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of South Koreans supported impeachment, putting the PPP\u2019s strategy of waiting for public anger to subside at risk of backfiring. The party\u2019s seeming reliance on opposition leader Lee Jae-myung\u2019s legal troubles to shift focus deepened public discontent and heightened instability ahead of the next presidential election.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>BRIEFING: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/yoon-suk-yeol-avoids-impeachment-for-now-but-faces-rising-political-instability\/\"><b>Yoon Suk-yeol avoids impeachment for now, but faces rising political instability<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 7, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/yoon-suk-yeols-fate-uncertain-as-impeachment-vote-fails-to-move-forward\/\"><b>Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s fate uncertain as impeachment vote fails to move forward<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 7, 2024)\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-korea-faces-political-crisis-as-ruling-party-blocks-impeachment-vote\/\"><b>South Korea faces political crisis as ruling party blocks impeachment vote<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 11, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>11. Supreme Court upholds Cho Kuk\u2019s sentence<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207609\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207609\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207609\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/5-1.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/5-1-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/5-1-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207609\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cho Kuk delivers a statement before starting his two-year prison sentence at the Seoul Detention Center on Dec. 16 | Image: <a href=\"https:\/\/rebuildingkoreaparty.kr\/media\/photo\/detail\/2536\">Reform Korea Party<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> On Dec. 12, South Korea\u2019s Supreme Court upheld a two-year prison sentence for Cho Kuk, former justice minister and leader of the RKP, for fabricating documents to secure university admissions for his children, obstructing business and violating anti-corruption laws. The ruling stripped Cho of his National Assembly seat and bars him from running for office. Once a key DP ally, Cho\u2019s RKP won 12 seats in April\u2019s parliamentary elections. His vacated proportional representative seat automatically passed to the next candidate on the RKP\u2019s list, keeping the opposition bloc\u2019s overall count unchanged at 192.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cho\u2019s conviction ends his political career for the foreseeable future, removing a prominent critic of the president. He will serve his sentence until Dec. 15, 2026, and is barred from running for office for five additional years, making him ineligible for the 2027 presidential and 2028 parliamentary elections. A pardon or legal action could advance his release and potentially restore his candidacy rights. The ruling leaves the RKP without one of its most vocal figures, likely reshaping its strategy heading into the next election cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>BRIEFING: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/cho-kuk-sentenced-as-impeachment-threat-against-yoon-enters-critical-stage\/\"><b>Cho Kuk sentenced as impeachment threat against Yoon enters critical stage<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 12, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>12. Yoon impeached by National Assembly<\/b><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2207610\" style=\"width: 1880px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2207610\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2207610\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/20.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1870\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/20.jpg 1870w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/20-935x500.jpg 935w, https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/20-1255x670.jpg 1255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1870px) 100vw, 1870px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2207610\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Demonstrators cheer as the results of Yoon\u2019s impeachment vote are announced by the National Assembly Speaker on Dec. 14 | Image: Korea Pro<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>What happened: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On Dec. 14, Yoon was impeached after the National Assembly voted 204 to 85 in favor of his removal. The motion, led by the DP, gained support from 12 PPP lawmakers despite the latter\u2019s official opposition to impeachment. Yoon\u2019s presidential powers were immediately suspended, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming the role of acting president. The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to decide whether to uphold the impeachment. If confirmed, a presidential election must be held within 60 days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Implications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Yoon\u2019s impeachment is the third in South Korea\u2019s history, following Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 and Park Geun-hye in 2016. If upheld, Yoon would become the second president officially removed from office. The impeachment reflects mounting public dissatisfaction, as nationwide protests demanding his resignation have surged in recent weeks. However, the drawn-out Constitutional Court review could prolong political instability. Acting President Han Duck-soo faces the challenge of navigating both domestic and foreign priorities during this period. For the PPP, the impeachment exposed internal fractures, with moderates breaking ranks to support the motion. Former party leader Han Dong-hoon\u2019s resignation two days later signals a growing shift in party dynamics, consolidating power within the pro-Yoon faction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>BRIEFING: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/yoon-suk-yeol-impeached-as-south-korea-plunges-into-political-uncertainty\/\"><b>Yoon Suk-yeol impeached as South Korea plunges into political uncertainty<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 14, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>ANALYSIS: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/whats-at-stake-in-south-koreas-impeachment-trial-of-yoon-suk-yeol\/\"><b>What\u2019s at stake in South Korea\u2019s impeachment trial of Yoon Suk-yeol<\/b><\/a><b> (Dec. 14, 2024)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Edited by John Lee<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<div class=\"content-tags\"><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/tag\/culture-society\/\"><span class=\"tag\">Culture &amp; Society<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/tag\/domestic-politics\/\"><span class=\"tag\">Domestic Politics<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/tag\/korea-elections-2024\/\"><span class=\"tag\">Elections 2024<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Korea\u2019s political landscape in 2024 was marked by dramatic twists and upheavals, reshaping the nation\u2019s trajectory. Korea Pro revisits 12 pivotal moments \u2014 from leadership shake-ups to the shockwaves of martial law \u2014 that defined the year, presented in chronological order. 1. Main opposition leader stabbed during site tour What happened: Main opposition Democratic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10909,"featured_media":2207596,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[25,27,34],"class_list":["post-2207595","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analysis","tag-culture-society","tag-domestic-politics","tag-korea-elections-2024"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>South Korea\u2019s chaotic 2024: Impeachment, martial law and political upheaval - Korea Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-koreas-chaotic-2024-impeachment-martial-law-and-political-upheaval\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"South Korea\u2019s chaotic 2024: Impeachment, martial law and political upheaval - Korea Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"South Korea\u2019s political landscape in 2024 was marked by dramatic twists and upheavals, reshaping the nation\u2019s trajectory. Korea Pro revisits 12 pivotal moments \u2014 from leadership shake-ups to the shockwaves of martial law \u2014 that defined the year, presented in chronological order. 1. Main opposition leader stabbed during site tour What happened: Main opposition Democratic [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-koreas-chaotic-2024-impeachment-martial-law-and-political-upheaval\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Korea Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/nknewsorg\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-12-23T06:11:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-24T05:40:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/2-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1870\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"joonha.park\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@southkoreapro\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@southkoreapro\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Joon Ha Park\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"16 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-koreas-chaotic-2024-impeachment-martial-law-and-political-upheaval\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-koreas-chaotic-2024-impeachment-martial-law-and-political-upheaval\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"joonha.park\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/#\/schema\/person\/655b61707429f29f2eaaf3953fc9a70e\"},\"headline\":\"South Korea\u2019s chaotic 2024: Impeachment, martial law and political upheaval\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-12-23T06:11:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-24T05:40:19+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-koreas-chaotic-2024-impeachment-martial-law-and-political-upheaval\/\"},\"wordCount\":3142,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/south-koreas-chaotic-2024-impeachment-martial-law-and-political-upheaval\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/assets.korearisk.com\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/12\/2-1.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Culture &amp; 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