January 15, 2025
Seoul – South Korea has long been hailed as a beacon of democracy and the rule of law in Asia, but recent developments surrounding President Yun Seok-yeol have put the country’s democratic foundations under scrutiny.
The international community is closely watching how South Korea responds to these challenges, which could shape its political trajectory and impact other emerging democracies. South Korea’s democracy faces significant tests related to judicial independence, political accountability, and the balance of power—tests that must be met in order to preserve the country’s democratic integrity and rule of law.
President Yoon's term has been marked by an ambitious reform agenda, particularly in the areas of prosecutorial oversight and judicial independence. However, critics claim that his government's actions have often blurred the lines between political authority and legal impartiality.
His tenure has been marked by controversy over high-profile investigations into opposition figures, raising concerns about selective justice. According to the Gallup Korea survey, data for 2024 show that public trust in the judiciary dropped by nearly 15% from the previous year, reflecting growing doubts about the impartiality of legal institutions.
One of the most controversial moments of President Yoon's term was the brief imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024.
The draconian measure was widely criticized as an abuse of executive power and a direct threat to democratic governance. Legal scholars and activists believe such behavior could have serious consequences, including impeachment and investigations. Critics called on the Constitutional Court to show courage and impartiality and ensure that Yin is imprisoned for undermining democratic order. Such precedents reinforce the principle that no leader is above the law and help restore public confidence in democratic institutions.
These issues are compounded by highly polarized perceptions of South Korea's political landscape. Conservatives and progressives alike are increasingly turning to legal measures as political tools, fueling a vindictive political climate.
Yoon's tenure has seen multiple instances of opposition figures facing prosecutions that were later dismissed or deemed politically motivated. This tit-for-tat dynamic not only undermines public trust in the legal system but also distracts from substantive policy debates. A 2024 report by the Korea Institute of Public Administration highlighted that more than 60% of South Koreans believe that political divisions have a negative impact on national governance, indicating widespread disillusionment with the current state of democracy.
Another key challenge is ensuring accountability of those in power. Yoon himself faces a series of accusations, including accusations of nepotism and misuse of government funds. Although no formal charges have been brought against him, the controversies highlight the need for strong mechanisms to hold leaders accountable.
Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked South Korea 35th out of 180 countries, a slight improvement from previous years but still signaling lingering concerns about political corruption. Addressing these issues requires systemic reforms, such as strengthening the independence of anti-corruption agencies and strengthening whistleblower protections.
Beyond Korea’s internal dynamics, these challenges have significant global implications. For a country often hailed as a model of democratic progress, South Korea's struggles with political accountability and judicial independence serve as a warning to other democracies.
The international community, including allies such as the United States and the European Union, has stressed the importance of South Korea upholding democratic principles to maintaining its credibility on the global stage. Failure to address these challenges will not only erode domestic trust but also weaken South Korea’s soft power as a leader in democratic governance.
However, it is worth noting that South Korea also has some advantages that can help it overcome these challenges. Its vibrant international civil society and active media play a vital role in holding leaders accountable and promoting public discourse.
In recent years, public demonstrations and investigative journalism have succeeded in drawing attention to abuses of power, leading to major reforms. For example, the introduction in 2024 of a citizen-led Oversight Committee on Prosecutorial Investigations is a step forward in increasing transparency and reducing political interference.
Furthermore, South Korea’s democratic resilience has been demonstrated through its peaceful transition of power and strong electoral process. Despite concerns about political polarization, the 2024 congressional elections recorded one of the highest turnouts in recent history, reflecting the people’s enduring commitment to democratic participation. This engagement highlights the potential of grassroots movements and citizen activism to drive meaningful change in the nation’s political landscape.
All in all, Korean democracy stands at a crossroads under President Yoon Seok-yeol, which highlights its strengths and weaknesses.
Challenges related to judicial independence, political accountability and polarization threaten to undermine the rule of law and public trust in democratic institutions. Mr Yoon's brief declaration of martial law was a stark reminder that the executive branch can overstep its authority, requiring bold action from institutions such as the Constitutional Court to ensure justice. However, the country's vibrant society, engaged electorate and international partnerships provide avenues to address these issues and strengthen its democratic foundations.
South Korea's efforts to respond to these tests will not only determine its future but also provide important lessons for democracies around the world. By addressing systemic flaws and enacting reforms, South Korea can reaffirm its status as a resilient democracy that can withstand internal and external pressures.
Simon Hutagalung is a retired diplomat from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He holds a master's degree in political science and comparative politics from the City University of New York. The views expressed here are the author's own. —Ed.
