South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment and nationwide chaos as scandals surrounding his wife, including a $1,800 Dior handbag, dominate headlines.
South Korea is in political turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration of martial law, a move opposition leaders claim was an attempt to evade investigations into corruption allegations involving him and First Lady Kim Keon-hee.
The scandal centers on a luxury Dior handbag allegedly gifted to Kim by a pastor in 2022. Hidden camera footage of the exchange, leaked by a YouTube channel critical of the administration, has sparked widespread outrage. The $1,800 Lady Dior pouch exceeds the legal gift value limit for public officials, and Kim’s acceptance of it has become a symbol of alleged corruption and influence-peddling in the administration.
Martial Law Sparks Backlash
Yoon’s martial law declaration late Tuesday night sent shockwaves through South Korea, marking the first such move since 1980. Soldiers briefly occupied government buildings, and opposition lawmakers accused Yoon of using national security as a pretext to consolidate power and deflect from growing scandals.
“This was not about national security,” said opposition leader Lee Jae-myung. “This was a desperate, reckless attempt to cling to power and avoid scrutiny.”
Facing mounting criticism, Yoon lifted martial law just hours later, but not before opposition parties filed a motion to impeach him. The motion, set for a vote later this week, accuses Yoon of “gravely and extensively” violating the Constitution and abusing his authority.
A Presidency Marred by Scandals
Yoon’s administration has been plagued by controversies surrounding Kim, including accusations of resume falsification, academic plagiarism, and involvement in a stock manipulation scheme. The Dior handbag scandal, however, has become the focal point of public anger, with critics calling it the “proverbial needle that broke the camel’s back.”
Yoon has defended his wife, claiming she has been unfairly “demonized.” However, his refusal to address calls for an independent investigation into the First Lady’s actions has only fueled dissent.
Public Outrage Boils Over
On Wednesday evening, thousands gathered in downtown Seoul for a candlelight vigil, calling for Yoon’s resignation. Protesters marched to the presidential office, drawing parallels to the 2017 protests that led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye.
“We can no longer let democracy collapse,” said Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-min.
What’s Next for South Korea?
If Yoon is impeached, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume leadership until a new election is held within 60 days. Yoon’s popularity has plummeted, with his approval ratings hitting record lows amid accusations of heavy-handed leadership and deflection tactics.
The unfolding crisis underscores the fragility of Yoon’s presidency and raises questions about the future of South Korea’s democracy, as the nation braces for a critical vote that could redefine its political landscape.