Description: Impeached South – Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol could face death or a lifetime sentence in jail after being indicted on rebellion charges by South Korea’s Central District Prosecutor Office. The President was impeached due to the botched issuance of martial law on Dec 3 which only lasted 6 hours. He has constantly defended his position claiming to have protected democracy and eradicated corrupted criminal officials from the South Korean government. The Constitutional Court on the other hand debated over his impeachment and whether they should remove him from the presidential role or reinstate him. The martial law decree caused civil disruptions in South Korea in large parts of the capital Seoul, where more than 3,000 police officers were deployed.
Impact: South Korea’s political crisis evolves on a daily basis with no concrete solution in sight. Discrepancies in the criminal prosecution against Yoon Suk Yeol indicate on possible state coup scenario, while other sources claim the President acted with criminal intent in order to persevere his position of power. The political turmoil could implicate South Korea in a prolonged crisis where geopolitical tensions in the region are reaching their climax. North Korea mostly benefits from the current situation as they bolster their military capacities, while South Korea would aim to resolve the current situation as soon as possible as internal and regional stability depend on a steadfast and resolute political response from the South Korean establishment.