Meet the President of #SouthKorea. 

From Prosecutor to President: 

Before entering politics, Yoon Suk Yeol had a distinguished career as a prosecutor. He served for 26 years, notably as the Prosecutor General of South Korea from 2019 to 2021. His reputation for tackling high-profile corruption cases, including those against former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, earned him significant public recognition, which helped propel him into the political arena. He was appointed by President Moon Jae-in, despite their later becoming political adversaries.

Election by Narrow Margin: 

Yoon won the South Korean presidential election in March 2022 with one of the narrowest margins in the country's history, defeating Lee Jae-myung by just 0.7 percentage points. This victory was seen as a repudiation of the previous liberal administration rather than a strong endorsement of Yoon's policies, setting the stage for a highly polarized administration.

Foreign Policy Stance: 

Yoon's foreign policy is noted for being hawkish towards North Korea, contrasting with the previous administration's approach of engagement. He has sought to strengthen ties with the United States and has been more conciliatory towards Japan compared to past South Korean leaders. His administration has aimed at enhancing trilateral security cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, especially in light of North Korean threats.

Controversial Decisions and Public Image: 

Since taking office, Yoon has been involved in several controversies, including his comments on gender issues, leading to accusations of being anti-feminist, and his handling of domestic crises like the 2022 Seoul Halloween crowd crush and the ongoing medical crisis. His approval ratings have been historically low, often dipping below 30%, reflecting significant public dissatisfaction with his governance style and policies.

Martial Law Declaration: 

On December 3, 2024, Yoon declared martial law in South Korea, citing threats from pro-North Korean elements within the opposition. This action has been met with significant domestic and international backlash, with the National Assembly voting to block the decree. This move underscores the contentious nature of his presidency and has raised concerns about the state of democracy in South Korea under his leadership.
#SouthKorea