Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Yoon Suk Yeol

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Yoon Suk Yeol.

Yoon Suk Yeol is a South Korean politician and former prosecutor. He served as the 13th president of South Korea from 2022 to 2025, following the Constitutional Court of Korea's confirmation of his impeachment by the National Assembly.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1910: Reference to Japanese Colonial Period Views

In 2024, reports emerged of the New Right having more favorable views of the 1910 Japanese colonial period, sparking controversy.

1945: Reference to Japanese Colonial Period Views

In 2024, reports emerged of the New Right having more favorable views of the period up to 1945, the end of the Japanese colonial period, sparking controversy.

1980: Reference to Chun Doo-hwan's Martial Law

In December 2024, when Yoon declared martial law, it was noted as the first time since the military dictatorship of Chun Doo-hwan in 1980.

1980: Inspiration from Milton Friedman

In July, Yoon Suk Yeol cited economist Milton Friedman's 1980 book Free to Choose: A Personal Statement as inspiration for the idea that "poor people should be allowed to eat substandard food for lower prices".

Free to Choose: A Personal Statement

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2012: NIS Public Opinion Manipulation Scandal

In 2013, Yoon Suk Yeol led a special investigation team that looked into the National Intelligence Service (NIS)'s involvement in the 2012 NIS public opinion manipulation scandal.

2013: Investigation into NIS Public Opinion Manipulation

In 2013, Yoon Suk Yeol led a special investigation team that looked into the National Intelligence Service (NIS)'s involvement in the 2012 NIS public opinion manipulation scandal. He sought the prosecution of Won Sei-hoon and accused Justice Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn of influencing his investigation, resulting in his demotion.

December 2016: Choi Soon-sil Scandal Investigation

In December 2016, Yoon Suk Yeol was head of investigations in the special prosecutor team of Park Young-soo, investigating the Choi Soon-sil scandal, which led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.

2018: Suspected Election Rigging in Ulsan Mayoral Race

In April 2020, Democratic Party lawmakers attacked Yoon Suk Yeol and called for his resignation after investigations were started in suspected election rigging of the Ulsan mayoral race for Mayor Song Cheol-ho in 2018 by senior secretaries at the Blue House.

April 2020: Attacks by Democratic Party Lawmakers

In April 2020, Democratic Party lawmakers attacked Yoon Suk Yeol and called for his resignation after the prosecution started investigations into election law violation cases.

November 2020: Suspension as Prosecutor General

In November 2020, Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae suspended Yoon Suk Yeol from his position, citing alleged ethical violations, abuse of power, and interference in investigations. Yoon filed an injunction, which was temporarily approved, halting the suspension.

2020: Legislative Elections and Alleged Political Interference

On 2 September 2021, it was reported that during his time as prosecutor general, Yoon Suk Yeol allegedly ordered the filing of politically motivated criminal complaints against Democratic Party politicians ahead of the 2020 legislative elections.

September 2021: Allegations of Politically Motivated Criminal Complaints

On 2 September 2021, news website Newsverse reported that during his time as prosecutor general, Yoon Suk Yeol had allegedly ordered a senior prosecutor Son Jun-sung and politician Kim Woong to file politically motivated criminal complaints against Democratic Party politicians ahead of the 2020 legislative elections. In response to the allegations, investigations were launched.

September 2021: Yoon Suggests Redeployment of Tactical Nuclear Weapons

On 22 September 2021, Yoon Suk Yeol stated that he would ask that the United States redeploy tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea if there is a threat from North Korea. Speaking for the United States, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Japan and Korea Mark Lambert rejected Yoon's call for the re-nuclearization of South Korea and said the proposal was against U.S. policy.

October 2021: Remarks about Chun Doo-hwan and Subsequent Apology

In October 2021, Yoon made complimentary remarks about former South Korean dictator Chun Doo-hwan, leading to criticism and an initial apology. A controversial Instagram post featuring an apple, a Korean homonym for "apology", led to speculation about the sincerity of his apology, which he later denied. He again apologized in November at the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju.

November 2021: Yoon Open to More U.S. THAAD Missile Deployments

On 12 November 2021, Yoon Suk Yeol indicated that he would be open to more U.S. THAAD missile deployments in South Korea.

2021: Reference to Supreme Court Ruling

In November 2024, critics alleged that police, under orders of the Yoon administration, were being used to suppress anti-government protests and argued that this action contradicted a 2021 Supreme Court of Korea ruling.

2021: Yoon's Approval Rating Drops

Less than three months into his presidency, in 2021, Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating dropped to less than 30 percent amidst the 2021–2023 inflation surge, a controversial education policy rollout, controversies over nepotism in personnel appointments, the police bureau proposal, and conflicts within the PPP.

May 2022: Criticism and Changes in Women's Representation in Government

In May 2022, Yoon faced criticism for the lack of women's representation in his government, with only three women among the State Councilors. In response, Yoon appointed Park Soon-ae as the Minister of Education and Kim Seung-hee as the Minister of Welfare.

July 2022: Proposal for a Police Bureau and Subsequent Protests

In late July 2022, Yoon proposed the creation of a "police bureau" to ensure greater government oversight of the police force. In response, several police officers protested, claiming the measure compromised the political neutrality of the police.

August 2022: Snub of Meeting with Nancy Pelosi

On 4 August 2022, during U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to South Korea, Yoon did not meet with her, stating that he wanted to enjoy his vacation.

September 2022: Defamation Lawsuit Against MBC Executives

In September 2022, after reports that Yoon insulted the U.S. Congress, the PPP sued four senior executives of Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) for defamation. The controversy stemmed from Yoon's remarks after a conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden, which MBC interpreted as criticism of the U.S. Congress regarding contributions to the Global Fund. Yoon's office denied the interpretation. The incident led to a drop in his approval rating and debates over press freedom. The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs also sued MBC to restore trust in diplomacy.

2022: Opposition to Feminism

Following an anti-feminist backlash in 2022, Yoon acted in opposition to feminism to appeal to young men and stated that structural sexism no longer exists in South Korea. He pledged to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

2022: Hard-line Policies Against North Korea

Since Yoon's inauguration in 2022, his administration has continued to make strong statements and take hard-line policies against North Korea, leading to criticism that the Korean Peninsula faces the greatest war crisis since the Korean War.

March 2023: Controversy over Forced Labor Compensation

As of March 2023, Yoon's government faced criticism for its approach to compensating victims of forced labor during World War II, with 11 of the 15 surviving victims opposing the proposed solution.The DPK criticized the Yoon's government stance stating "It tramples on the victims and represents Japan's companies interests".

March 2023: Controversial Remarks at Samiljeol Commemoration

In March 2023, Yoon Suk Yeol's remarks at the Samiljeol commemorative event sparked controversy. He stated that Korea lost sovereignty due to a lack of preparation for historical changes, drawing criticism and accusations of pro-Japanese sentiment. Opposition parties and figures compared Yoon to Lee Wan-yong.

April 2023: Yoon's Approval Rating Drops Due to Japanese Policy

In April 2023, Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating dropped back to 30% largely due to widespread disapproval of Yoon's Japanese policy.

May 2023: Kishida Visits Seoul to Deepen Ties

In May 2023, Kishida visited Seoul to strengthen ties with South Korea. Yoon emphasized that historical issues needed complete resolution. While Kishida expressed sympathy for Korean victims of colonial Japan, he faced criticism for not issuing an apology for forced labor during World War II or mentioning Japan's war crimes.

November 2023: Suspension of Comprehensive Agreement Pact

In November 2023, Yoon's government suspended South Korea's participation in the Comprehensive Agreement Pact, aimed at lowering tensions between South and North Korea, after North Korea launched a satellite into space.

2023: Drop in World Press Freedom Index

From 2023 to May 2024, South Korea's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders dropped from 47th to 62nd place, reportedly influenced by the Yoon administration's sanctions against media outlets and journalists critical of the government, such as MBC.

2023: Accusations of Covering Up Military Officials in Marine Death

In 2023, Yoon was accused of covering up for senior military officials over the death of one South Korean marine by blocking bills seeking to investigate the matter.

February 2024: Increase in Medical Student Enrollment Quota

On 6 February 2024, Yoon announced an increase in the medical student enrollment quota from 3,058 to 5,058 students per academic year starting in 2025. This was met with opposition from the medical community, leading to strikes and resignations.

May 2024: Drop in World Press Freedom Index

May 2024: Yoon Records Lowest Approval Rating

In May 2024, Yoon Suk Yeol recorded the lowest approval rating since he took office at a rate of 21%, with his economic and foreign policy, as well as his lack of communication, being cited as the main reasons for the low approval rating.

July 2024: Petition Calling for Yoon's Impeachment

In June and July 2024, over a million people signed a petition calling for Yoon Suk Yeol to be impeached.

November 2024: Allegations of Police Suppression of Anti-Government Protests

In November 2024, critics alleged that police, under orders of the Yoon administration, were being used to suppress anti-government protests. According to MBC, police unsuccessfully applied for four arrest warrants for protestors, which some argued contradicted a 2021 Supreme Court of Korea ruling.

November 2024: Calls for Resignation and Impeachment

In November 2024, over 3,000 professors and researchers at various universities signed a declaration asking Yoon to resign. On 28 November, 1,466 South Korean Catholic priests called for Yoon to be impeached, issuing a declaration titled "How can a person be like this".

November 2024: Controversy over New Right Appointments and Restrictions on Independence Commemoration

In November 2024, the Yoon administration faced criticism for appointing individuals described as New Right members to leadership positions in the Independence Hall of Korea. Additionally, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs blocked an event by the Korea Liberation Association at Seoul National Cemetery, leading to allegations of retaliation for criticizing the administration's New Right tendencies.

November 2024: Suggestion of Weapons to Ukraine

On November 7, 2024, Yoon suggested South Korea could provide weapons to Ukraine. However, the South Korean public widely opposed direct arms supplies.

December 2024: Police Attempt to Search Yoon's Office

In December 2024, South Korean police attempted to search Yoon Suk Yeol's office as part of an investigation into his controversial declaration of martial law. The search was blocked due to a lack of agreement with the presidential security service.

December 2024: Declaration of Martial Law and Impeachment

In December 2024, Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in South Korea, but it was quickly nullified by the National Assembly. An initial impeachment motion failed, but a second vote on December 14, 2024, successfully impeached him and suspended his presidential powers.

December 2024: Yoon Apologizes for Martial Law Declaration

In December 2024, Yoon Suk Yeol issued a televised apology following widespread criticism over his declaration of martial law. He expressed regret and assured the public that such actions would not be repeated. The incident led to political turmoil and calls for his resignation.

December 2024: Yoon's Approval Rating Plummets

In December 2024, following his brief attempt to declare martial law, a poll by Gallup held from 3 to 5 December 2024 found that Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating had fallen to 13% in part due to the declaration of martial law. A week later, Gallup found that his approval rating fell further to 11%.

December 2024: Overseas Travel Ban Issued Against Yoon

In December 2024, the Ministry of Justice issued an overseas travel ban against Yoon Suk Yeol following an investigation into allegations of rebellion linked to his imposition of martial law. He could have faced detention under specific conditions, and his immunity as president did not extend to charges of rebellion or treason.

December 2024: Yoon's Staff Resign Amidst Calls for Resignation

On 4 December 2024, many of Yoon Suk Yeol's staff resigned. On 8 December 2024, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon stated that Yoon would resign as early as February 2025 if he remained in office. On 12 December, Yoon vowed to "fight to the end", resisting calls for his resignation.

December 2024: Declaration of Martial Law and Accusations of Provoking North Korea

On December 3, 2024, Yoon declared martial law, accusing other South Korean politicians of being "communist" and vowing to "rebuild a democratic and free Korea". Yoon allegedly ordered the flying of drones into North Korea to provoke an armed conflict without informing the Ministry of National Defense or the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The National Assembly unanimously voted to rescind the decree, and Yoon lifted the declaration after his cabinet convened.

December 2024: Facing Arrest Warrant

On December 31, 2024, Yoon Suk Yeol became the first sitting president in South Korean history to face an arrest warrant.

2024: Accusations of Covering Up Military Officials in Soldier Deaths

In 2024, Yoon was accused of covering up for senior military officials over the deaths of two more soldiers by blocking bills seeking to investigate the matter. His frequent use of veto power has increased conflict with the opposition.

2024: Decline in Liberal Democracy Index

In 2024, the Swedish V-Dem Institute reported that South Korea was dropping in its liberal democracy index (LDI) under Yoon's administration, describing Yoon as "South Korea's Donald Trump".

2024: R&D Budget Cutback

In 2024, the Yoon administration's decision to reduce South Korea's research and development (R&D) budget by 15% compared to the previous year has caused significant uproar among researchers, raising concerns about South Korea's competitiveness in the global technology sector.

2024: Arrest Warrant Issued for Yoon Suk Yeol

On 31 December 2024, the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol with charges relating to abuse of power and orchestration of the 2024 South Korean martial law crisis.

January 2025: Arrest and Incarceration

In January 2025, Yoon Suk Yeol became the first sitting president to be arrested and incarcerated. He is being investigated for heading an insurrection.

January 2025: CIO Investigates Yoon for Treason

In January 2025, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was investigating Yoon Suk Yeol for treason. The investigation was based on evidence that he allegedly attempted to manufacture a conflict with North Korea.

January 2025: Authorities Try to Carry Out Arrest Warrant

On 1 January 2025, Yoon Suk Yeol released a statement to his supporters pledging to "fight alongside you to the very end to protect this nation". On 3 January, authorities tried to carry out the warrant at the presidential compound but abandoned the attempt after being physically blocked by the Presidential Security Service. After the warrant expired on 6 January, the Seoul Western District Court extended the warrant the next day.

January 2025: Impeachment Proceedings Against Yoon Suspended

On 14 January 2025, the impeachment proceedings against Yoon Suk Yeol were abruptly suspended after a brief period, as he failed to attend the session at the Constitutional Court. Subsequent hearings were held until 25 February 2025. Yoon attended the proceedings for the first time on 21 January, during which he denied ordering soldiers to interfere with the proceedings of the National Assembly against the martial law declaration.

February 2025: Potential Resignation of Yoon Suk Yeol

In February 2025, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon suggested Yoon Suk Yeol might resign. A PPP task force proposed Yoon leave office in February or March 2025 and called for elections to replace him in April or May.

February 2025: Yoon Apologizes on Last Day of Impeachment Trial

On 25 February 2025, Yoon Suk Yeol issued an apology on the last day of the impeachment trial, but continued to defend his actions. The trial concluded with a total of 11 hearings held over 73 days and 16 people testifying as witnesses.

March 2025: Proposed Date for Yoon's Departure

In March 2025, A PPP special task force proposed that Yoon leave office in February or March 2025 and called for elections to replace him to be held in April or May.

April 2025: Yoon's Impeachment Affirmed by Constitutional Court

On 4 April 2025, an eight-judge Constitutional Court officially affirmed Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment by an unanimous decision. An election to determine his successor must now take place within 60 days following his removal.

April 2025: Constitutional Court Upholds Yoon's Impeachment

On 4 April 2025, the South Korean Constitutional Court announced that Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment was unanimously upheld.

April 2025: Impeachment Confirmation and End of Presidency

On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Korea confirmed the impeachment against Yoon Suk Yeol by the National Assembly, officially terminating his presidency.