South Korea stands at a pivotal moment in its modern history. The removal, by the country’s Constitutional Court, of President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, following his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3, is not just the end of a controversial presidency ~ it is a test of the nation’s democratic resilience. While many celebrated his impeachment by Parliament on December 14 as a victory for constitutional order, the deep fractures in South Korean society reveal that this crisis is far from over.

Mr Yoon remained suspended from duty for months, and with snap elections scheduled for June 3, the coming months will determine whether the country can heal from this unprecedented event or whether it will sink further into division and distrust. At the heart of this turmoil is the fear that South Korea’s democratic institutions remain vulnerable to the ambitions of individual leaders. Mr Yoon’s brief military takeover was a chilling reminder that authoritarian impulses are not relics of the past. His claims of an internal subversion plot, supposedly orchestrated by foreign agents, were an alarming attempt to manipulate public fear and justify his actions.

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Yet, despite the overwhelming legal consensus against him, a significant portion of the population still believes his narrative, demonstrating how misinformation can erode democratic foundations. This deep-seated polarisation is South Korea’s most pressing challenge. While outrage over Mr Yoon’s actions initially united the nation, that unity has since fractured. His defiant rhetoric and claims of political persecution have transformed him into a martyr for a growing far-right movement. This shift in public sentiment is dangerous, as it undermines trust in key institutions, including the Constitutional Court and the electoral process.

The upcoming snap election will take place in an atmosphere of suspicion, with many questioning the legitimacy of the system itself. If trust continues to erode, South Korea risks a prolonged period of instability, where every election is contested not only in the ballot box but also on the streets. The only way forward is through reform and reconciliation. South Korea must use this crisis as an opportunity to strengthen democratic safeguards. Constitutional changes that limit presidential powers and enhance checks and balances should be a priority.

Equally crucial is fostering a political climate where leaders are held accountable without turning them into symbols of partisan warfare. The country needs a unifying figure who can rebuild trust and ensure that democracy is not just a system of governance but a shared national commitment. South Korea has overcome crises before, but the road ahead will not be easy. Whether this moment is remembered as a turning point for democracy or the beginning of prolonged division depends on the choices the nation makes now. The stakes could not be higher.