Early Life and Education of Yoon Suk Yeol: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Yoon Suk Yeol, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

December 1960: Yoon Suk Yeol's birth

In December 1960, Yoon Suk Yeol was born.

1960: Birth in Seoul

In 1960, Yoon Suk Yeol was born in Bomun-dong, Seongbuk District, Seoul. He was later raised in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun District.

1982: Exemption from National Service

In 1982, Yoon Suk Yeol was exempted from national service due to anisometropia, an eyesight defect.

1983: Graduation with Bachelor of Laws

In 1983, Yoon Suk Yeol earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Seoul National University.

1988: Master of Laws

In 1988, Yoon Suk Yeol obtained a Master of Laws degree from Seoul National University.

1991: Passing the Bar Exam

In 1991, Yoon Suk Yeol passed the bar exam, placing him in the same graduating class as Democratic Party Assemblyman and Minister of Justice Park Beom-kye.

2012: Yoon Marries Kim Keon-hee

In 2012, Yoon Suk Yeol married Kim Keon-hee. His wife said that she prefers the term "first spouse" instead of the "first lady".

June 2021: Presidential Candidacy Announcement

In June 2021, Yoon Suk Yeol announced his candidacy for the 2022 South Korean presidential election.

November 2021: Pardon Promise for Former Presidents

On 7 November 2021, Yoon stated that if elected president, he would pardon former presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, who were serving prison sentences for corruption.

2021: Election of Yoon Suk-yeol

In 2021, Yoon Suk-yeol, a right-wing and conservative candidate, was elected into power.

March 2022: Announcement of Presidential Office Relocation

On 20 March 2022, Yoon announced his decision to establish his presidential office in the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan District, Seoul, instead of the Blue House.

May 2022: Inauguration and Blue House Opening

In May 2022, Yoon took office as president. The Blue House was opened to the public as a park on 10 May 2022.

October 2022: Itaewon Tragedy and National Mourning

On 29 October 2022, at least 158 people were crushed to death during Halloween festivities in Seoul's Itaewon district. Yoon declared a state of official national mourning.

April 2023: Visit to the United States

In April 2023, Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee visited Washington D.C. to mark 70 years of the alliance between South Korea and the United States. Yoon addressed the U.S. Congress on 27 April, emphasizing the strong relationship between the two countries.

July 2023: Visit to Ukraine

In July 2023, Yoon visited Ukraine after the NATO summit in Lithuania and Poland, including visits to Bucha and Irpin.

October 2023: Condemnation of Hamas Attack on Israel

In October 2023, Yoon condemned the Hamas-led attack on Israel.

December 2023: Trips to Twenty-Six Countries

As of December 2023, Yoon has made trips to twenty-six countries during his tenure, meeting with fellow leaders at summits such as the NATO Summit Madrid 2022, APEC Summit, G20, and G7.

November 2024: Phone Call with Donald Trump

According to a Yonhap article published on 7 November 2024, Yoon had a 12-minute phone call with Donald Trump, where they talked about trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, as well as the North Korean situation involving Ukraine.