President Yoon Suk Yeol

Yoon was later oustered in April by the Constitutional Court that upheld his impeachment by parliament.

South Korea police say building case against Yoon for obstructing arrest

A South Korean court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon on December 31 in a criminal investigation accusing the suspended leader of insurrection over his martial law decree last year.

South Korea's Yoon defends his martial law decree in first public appearance since arrest

After abruptly imposing martial law on Dec. 3, Yoon sent troops and police officers to encircle the National Assembly, but enough lawmakers managed to enter to vote unanimously to reject his decree.

Arrest warrant against South Korea's President Yoon; people rally near his Seoul residence | N18G

On December 31, 2024, a South Korean court approved an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and suspended from power over his decision to impose martial law on December 3. This marks the first time in South Korean history that an arrest warrant has been issued for an incumbent president. Yoon is under investigation for possible insurrection charges, as his martial law decree briefly saw military troops clash with parliament staff. The martial law was quickly repealed after a parliamentary vote, but it shocked the nation and alarmed international allies. Yoon has failed to respond to multiple summonses for questioning. The investigation is ongoing, with police having unsuccessfully attempted to raid the presidential office. A Constitutional Court trial has commenced to decide whether Yoon will be reinstated or permanently removed from office, with a decision expected within 180 days. The court’s next hearing is set for January 3.

South Korean Lawmakers Impeach President Yoon Amid Martial Law Controversy and Escalating Protests

South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol in a second impeachment motion, amid investigations into allegations of rebellion related to his controversial martial law decree. The motion passed with 204 votes, surpassing the required 200. Yoon’s martial law, which lasted only six hours, caused political unrest, halted diplomatic activities, and shook financial markets. Public protests escalated, with Yoon’s approval rating plummeting. Yoon defended his actions, claiming the decree targeted opposition forces. Yoon becomes the second South Korean president to face impeachment, following Park Geun-hye’s removal in 2017. The Constitutional Court will decide on his removal.

South Korea's Yoon Lifts Martial Law After Unanimous Parliamentary Rejection | N18G

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to lift martial law on Wednesday after parliament unanimously voted against it. Declared on December 3 to combat "anti-state forces" among political opponents, the decree provoked widespread protests and clashes outside the National Assembly. Parliament’s 190-strong vote, including members of Yoon’s ruling party, legally mandated the revocation under South Korea’s constitution. Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik confirmed its invalidation, marking an unprecedented political crisis for Yoon's administration. Justified by Yoon as essential for constitutional order and safety, the decree faced intense public and political opposition, raising global concerns over its impact on democracy.

South Korea set to order striking truckers back to work

President Yoon Suk-yeol will preside over a cabinet meeting to discuss issuing a "start-work" order after the government failed to reach a deal with unions on Monday.

South Korea president Yoon Suk-yeol calls for safety measures to prevent crowd accidents

Yoon made the remarks as he presided over a cabinet meeting, as the death toll from the disaster climbed to 155.

South Korea opposition boycotts Yoon budget speech in battle of wills

Yoon mapped out details of the 639 trillion won ($445 billion) proposal for next year to a half-empty National Assembly hall that was missing members of the Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 300-strong parliament.

New South Korea government seeks to abolish gender equality ministry

South Korea’s new conservative government said Thursday it will push to abolish a ministry on gender equality and create a new agency tasked with broader responsibilities, one of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s contentious campaign promises that roiled March’s hotly contested election.

Bank of Korea to hike rates by historic 50 bps

The BoK is one of many central banks now feeling the pressure from an aggressive interest rate hiking campaign from the U.S. Federal Reserve