Easy to Learn Korean (ETLK)

An Illustrated Guide to Korean Culture and Language

South Korean Presidents and controversies

Posted on April 6, 2025 by easykorean

With the impeachment of President Yoon Sun-Yeol (December 2024 to April 2025), many have reflected on the downfall of several modern leaders in South Korea. The Korea Herald featured a visual highlighting the controversies of these leaders.

A special election will be held on 6/3/2025 to select the next President. “Under South Korean law, a presidential election must be held within 60 days of a president’s removal from office.”

We have covered several Korean Presidents in our series.

President – 대통령 (daetong-lyeong)

To impeach – 탄핵하다 (tanhaek-hada)

Presidential Yun’s impeachment.

Link

The world has been closely watching now-impeached President Yun Suk-Yeol since he declared martial law on December 3, 2024. As of 7:24PM on December 14,2024, Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo is the interim leader of South Korea.

President Yun was immediately suspended after a National Assembly vote. The Constitutional Court will now decide whether to reinstate him or to formally kick him out – this could take up to 180 days.

Yun is the third South Korean President to be suspended from duties by Parliament (National Assembly). More on impeached Presidents here.