"Impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol: A Turning Point in South Korean Politics"

 

 A Reflection on a Historic Day in Korea

Today has been an incredibly busy and exhausting day, pushing me to my physical limits. Yet, before this day comes to a close, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on an event that will surely be etched in the annals of Korean history. So, here I am, sitting in front of my laptop, despite my weary body. It is now 11:03 PM on April 4, 2025, in Korea.

"Why Are Koreans Quick to Respond to the Erosion of Democracy?"

December 3rd, 2022, was a day that shocked everyone in Korea and around the world—except for the fool who led the charge. Watching the announcement of martial law by the former president (the tyrant) on the news, I found myself in a surreal state of confusion. Was this a reality, or was I watching a movie? If this were the plot of a film, I imagine most Koreans would have scoffed, thinking, "Is this really happening in the 21st century?!" (Though I must admit, I did enjoy the recent American film *Civil War*—quite the entertaining watch!)

The sight of troops being deployed to the National Assembly, met by citizens and legislative aides trying to stand their ground, was jarring, even for someone like me in my 40s. Truth be told, I had a gut feeling the moment that incompetent fool was elected that it was all downhill from there. I thought to myself, “Well, we’re in for a rough five years ahead.” Yet, it was on this day that he truly crossed the line.

He had essentially stabbed himself in the eye—his impeachment was inevitable! (Though, honestly, I doubt most Koreans imagined it would take this long.)

The people of 20th-century Korea fought hard to reclaim their nation from Japanese colonial rule and battled against dictatorship to cultivate democracy. To witness such an event unfold in a country recognized as a democratic nation by the world, 30 years later, felt like someone had splattered ink on the beautiful tapestry of democracy that so many had sacrificed for. 

To this day, Koreans have taken to the streets daily, determined to reclaim democracy—because we know from personal experience and historical lessons just how quickly it can be lost. We understand that if we remain passive and merely observe, we risk losing it all again, and we know all too well the sacrifices that would be required to restore it.

The acclaimed Korean author Han Kang, who received the Nobel Prize in Literature last year, poignantly asked, “Can the dead save the living?” We grasped her words instantly. We are committed to remembering and learning from the sacrifices made by those who fought for democracy in the past. Their experiences and actions guide us in determining how we should respond today. 

As we reflect on these events, let us honor the legacy of those who came before us and ensure that their struggles were not in vain.

What the Last Four Months Have Left for Koreans

Korea has become divided into two distinct groups: those who defend him and those who seek his impeachment. While the majority believe that his actions are irredeemable and unforgivable, such a stark division within the country has not been seen in the past 30 years, at least in my experience. It's almost amusing to refer to this as an ideological split, given how it blurs the lines between common sense and absurdity. Had the Constitutional Court justices not voted 8-0 to impeach him today, internal conflicts would likely have deepened even further. 

Moreover, we've witnessed the immoral actions and irresponsible behavior of high-ranking officials, as well as their unfiltered lies and excuses. 

Yet, there was another side to this story. I saw citizens physically blocking armored vehicles, and I witnessed many soldiers and police officers acting in accordance with a sense of justice and common sense. Unlike before, Korea’s young soldiers and police are now able to clearly discern right from wrong, demonstrating that the Korean people can pursue democracy once again through non-violent means.

Moving forward, we will

As we stand at this critical juncture, we must elect a new president within the next 60 days. It is imperative that we reset the clocks of our nation, which has been stagnant for over 1,300 days, in terms of our economy, media, diplomacy, culture, and scientific advancement. 

Moreover, it is vital that the majority of soldiers—who were deployed without understanding the full context—shed the stigma of being part of the martial law forces and reclaim their dignity as protectors of the people. Today, when the Constitutional Court justice stated, “The swift lifting of martial law was made possible by the citizens and the soldiers and police who, through their passive response, bought us time,” it surely provided a measure of solace to our military personnel.

While we have been at a standstill, there are numerous areas requiring recovery, such as our lagging AI technology and our previously lackluster diplomatic efforts. However, I am confident that we will rebound swiftly and emerge even stronger.

A century ago, we were a small Eastern nation under the oppressive rule of Japan. Yet today, we possess qualities that garner envy from people around the world. It is said that a Japanese politician once remarked about the Korean people, “They are a peculiar folk who, when their kings and nobles ruin the country and seize it, rise again as one.” This is the essence of Korea.

We welcome you to visit us. I assure you of a safe and enjoyable journey.