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.
In 2024, reports emerged of the New Right having more favorable views of the 1910 Japanese colonial period, sparking controversy.
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.
In December 1960, Yoon Suk Yeol was born.
In 1960, Yoon Suk Yeol was born in Bomun-dong, Seongbuk District, Seoul. He was later raised in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun District.
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.
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".
Yoon Suk Yeol cited economist Milton Friedman and Friedman's 1980 book Free to Choose: A Personal Statement as a major influence on his belief in economic liberalism.
In 1982, Yoon Suk Yeol was exempted from national service due to anisometropia, an eyesight defect.
In 1983, Yoon Suk Yeol earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Seoul National University.
In 1988, Yoon Suk Yeol obtained a Master of Laws degree from Seoul National University.
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.
In 1994, Yoon Suk Yeol started his career at the Daegu Public Prosecutor's Office.
In 1999, Yoon Suk Yeol arrested Assistant Commissioner Park Hui-won for corruption, despite objections from bureaucrats in the Kim Dae-jung cabinet.
In January 2002, Yoon Suk Yeol briefly worked as a lawyer at Bae, Kim & Lee but left because he found the position unsuitable.
In 2006, Yoon Suk Yeol apprehended Chung Mong-koo for his complicity in a slush fund case at Hyundai Motor Company.
In 2008, Yoon Suk Yeol worked for the independent counsel team resolving the BBK incident related to President Lee Myung-bak.
In 2012, Yoon Suk Yeol married Kim Keon-hee. His wife said that she prefers the term "first spouse" instead of the "first lady".
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.
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.
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.
In May 2017, Yoon Suk Yeol was appointed as chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office by President Moon Jae-in. During his tenure, the prosecution indicted former presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye and more than 100 other former officials and business executives.
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.
On June 17, 2019, Yoon Suk Yeol was nominated as Prosecutor General, replacing Moon Moo-il. On July 16, he was officially appointed and started his term nine days later.
In 2019, Moon Jae-in appointed Yoon Suk Yeol as the Prosecutor General of South Korea. During his tenure, the Supreme Prosecutor's Office investigated Cho Kuk, leading to his resignation as Minister of Justice. Yoon's clashes with the Moon administration led to his rise as a potential presidential candidate among conservative voters.
Ever since the aftermath of the Cho Kuk controversies, Yoon Suk Yeol had been considered a potential presidential candidate for the 2022 presidential election, appearing as a significant candidate in general election opinion polls since at least January 2020.
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.
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.
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.
In a January 2021 poll including all possible presidential candidates, Yoon Suk Yeol led as the most favored with 30.4 percent of the vote.
In March 2021, Yoon Suk Yeol resigned as Prosecutor General, which boosted his profile as a potential presidential candidate among conservative voters due to his clashes with the Moon administration.
In June 2021, Yoon Suk Yeol announced his candidacy for the 2022 South Korean presidential election.
In June 2021, Yoon Suk Yeol officially announced his candidacy in the 2022 presidential election.
On July 30, 2021, Yoon Suk Yeol officially joined the conservative People Power Party (PPP).
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.
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.
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.
On 12 November 2021, Yoon Suk Yeol indicated that he would be open to more U.S. THAAD missile deployments in South Korea.
On 5 November 2021, Yoon officially won the nomination of the People Power Party for the 2022 presidential election with 47.85% of the votes after a four-day period of voting by party members and the general public.
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.
In 2021, Yoon Suk-yeol, a right-wing and conservative candidate, was elected into power.
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.
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.
In March 2022, Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly defeated Lee Jae-myung in the South Korean presidential election.
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.
From May 2022 to August 2023, there were 29 instances of non-attendance by heads of government departments, vice ministers, and heads of affiliated organizations at National Assembly sessions.
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.
In May 2022, Yoon took office as president. The Blue House was opened to the public as a park on 10 May 2022.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In November 2022, President Yoon emphasized South Korea's intention to strengthen cooperation with Africa during his welcoming speech at the Africa Night event held in Seoul. The event was attended by African ambassadors and nominees from 31 countries, including President William Ruto of Kenya.
In December 2022, the Yoon administration announced the Indo-Pacific Strategy, encompassing the economic and security spheres of Indo-Pacific countries.
Ever since the aftermath of the Cho Kuk controversies, Yoon Suk Yeol had been considered a potential presidential candidate for the 2022 presidential election, appearing as a significant candidate in general election opinion polls since at least January 2020.
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.
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.
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".
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.
On March 16, 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Yoon Suk Yeol held a summit in Tokyo to discuss resolving wartime labor disputes. Yoon also met with Kenta Izumi, who raised bilateral issues, including the Statue of Peace and requested its removal.
In April 2023, Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating dropped back to 30% largely due to widespread disapproval of Yoon's Japanese policy.
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.
In April 2023, during a Reuters interview, Yoon hinted at supplying lethal aid to Ukraine if the international community could not condone large-scale attacks on civilians, massacres, or serious violations of war laws. He linked Ukraine's struggle to the Korean War, stating support could be extended to defend and restore the invaded country, while considering relationships with involved parties and battlefield developments.
At the G7 summit in May 2023, Yoon met with the leaders of the Quad nations, calling for addressing regional challenges and providing infrastructure and development assistance and stressed South Korea's commitment to maintaining the international rule of law and protecting Ukraine's freedom and peace.
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.
In August 2023, Yoon announced that South Korea would provide $394 million in financial aid to Ukraine for 2024, an eightfold increase from 2023.
On August 18, 2023, Yoon Suk Yeol, Kishida, and Biden met at Camp David in the United States. They announced the Camp David Principles to counter the influence of China, North Korea, and Russia and mitigate future economic disruptions.
Over a period of one year and four months from May 2022 to August 2023, there were 29 non-attendances by heads of government departments, vice ministers, and heads of affiliated organizations at National Assembly sessions. President Yoon has been heavily criticised for overusing the right to veto bills.
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.
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.
By the end of 2023, the V-Dem Institute reports that efforts under the previous Moon administration to increase South Korea's LDI levels have been virtually neutralized.
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.
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.
In February 2024, South Korea and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding to expand defense cooperation.
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.
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.
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.
In June and July 2024, over a million people signed a petition calling for Yoon Suk Yeol to be impeached.
On 17 July 2024, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power won the tender for the construction of two new units at Dukovany Nuclear Power Station in the Czech Republic. Yoon stated this would expand export opportunities for the nuclear industry.
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.
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.
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".
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.
On November 7, 2024, Yoon suggested South Korea could provide weapons to Ukraine. However, the South Korean public widely opposed direct arms supplies.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
On December 31, 2024, Yoon Suk Yeol became the first sitting president in South Korean history to face an arrest warrant.
In 2024, South Korea will provide $394 million in financial aid to Ukraine, an eightfold increase from 2023, announced in August 2023 by Yoon.
In 2024, Yoon held the South Korea-Africa Summit for the first time and has also been promoting the Korea-Central Asia Summit.
In 2024, Yoon plans to invite African leaders to a special summit in South Korea to accelerate the push for a South Korea-Africa FTA. The existing ministerial-level Korea-Africa Forum will be upgraded to the head of state.
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.
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".
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.
In the 2024 parliamentary elections, the opposition won a landslide victory. The PPP obtained 108 seats, while the DPK won 175 seats, putting Yoon in a weaker political position.
In the 2024 parliamentary midterm elections, Yoon Suk Yeol's party suffered an electoral defeat, weakening his political power. During Yoon's tenure, South Korea experienced democratic backsliding and a shift towards authoritarianism. He received mostly low approval ratings and was described as a lame duck.
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.
In January 2025, Yoon Suk Yeol became the first sitting president to be arrested and incarcerated. He is being investigated for heading an insurrection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On 4 April 2025, the South Korean Constitutional Court announced that Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment was unanimously upheld.
On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Korea confirmed the impeachment against Yoon Suk Yeol by the National Assembly, officially terminating his presidency.
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