A Historic Impeachment Rocks Seoul
South Korea’s political landscape was upended this week as President Yoon Suk-yeol became the first leader to face impeachment over his controversial martial law declaration. The December 14 vote reveals a nation divided: 90% public approval for his removal vs. bitter parliamentary clashes between conservatives and progressives.
From TikTok to the Streets
Gen-Z activists have become unexpected power players, flooding social media with #ImpeachmentNow hashtags while organizing nationwide rallies. Their demands? Transparency, affordable housing, and healthcare reforms – issues amplified by Yoon’s sinking 11% approval rating.
Breaking Down the Crisis
Trigger Point: Yoon’s “anti-state activities” martial law decree on Dec 3
Economic Woes: Inflation and housing costs fueled public anger
System Reset: Calls to reduce presidential powers gain momentum
What’s Next? Constitutional Showdown
All eyes now turn to South Korea’s Constitutional Court. If they uphold the impeachment, new elections could spark major policy shifts – from welfare reforms to tech-driven governance models championed by young voters.
As Seoul grapples with this political reckoning, one question dominates: Will this crisis birth a more responsive democracy? The answer might lie in the youth protesters’ viral slogan: “No more Zoom promises – we want real change!”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com