South Korea’s presidency has often been a precarious position, marked by scandals, uprisings, and tragedy. While current President Yoon Suk Yeol faces threats of impeachment, history shows he is far from the first South Korean leader to navigate political turbulence.
In fact, only a handful of presidents—Moon Jae-in (2017–2022), Kim Young-sam (1993–1998), and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kim Dae-jung (1998–2003)—completed their terms without major crises. Even these leaders had brushes with adversity, as Kim Dae-jung was once sentenced to death under a military dictatorship before going into exile in the United States.
Here’s a closer look at the fraught legacies of South Korea’s past presidents:
Park Geun-hye: Impeached and Imprisoned
The nation’s first female president, Park Geun-hye (2013–2017), was impeached and later convicted for accepting millions in bribes from South Korean conglomerates, including Samsung. Accused of abuse of power and leaking state secrets, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Park, the daughter of former dictator Park Chung-hee, was pardoned in 2021 by her successor Moon Jae-in.
Lee Myung-bak: Corruption Scandal
President Lee Myung-bak (2008–2013) was convicted in 2018 for accepting bribes from Samsung, among other charges. Initially sentenced to 15 years in prison, he was pardoned in 2022 by President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Roh Moo-hyun: Suicide After Investigation
Roh Moo-hyun (2003–2008) tragically took his own life in 2009 amid a corruption investigation involving his family. Allegations included illicit payments of millions to his wife and relatives from a shoe manufacturer.
Roh Tae-woo: Corruption and Treason
Roh Tae-woo (1988–1993), who succeeded a military dictatorship, was sentenced in 1996 to 22 years in prison for corruption and treason. Despite his conviction, he was amnestied in 1998. Roh passed away in 2021.
Chun Doo-hwan: Brutality and Death Sentence
Nicknamed the “Butcher of Gwangju,” Chun Doo-hwan (1980–1988) seized power after a coup and violently suppressed pro-democracy protests, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Convicted in 1996 for corruption and treason, Chun’s death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment before he was pardoned in 1998. He died in 2021.
Park Chung-hee: Assassinated
Park Chung-hee (1961–1979) ruled as a dictator before being assassinated in 1979 by his intelligence chief. His tenure was marked by economic development but also authoritarian repression. He narrowly survived a North Korean assassination attempt in 1968.
Yoon Bo-sun: Deposed in a Coup
President Yoon Bo-sun (1960–1962) was overthrown in a coup led by General Park Chung-hee. Yoon was kept in office as a figurehead until Park formally took power in 1962.
Syngman Rhee: Exile After Uprising
South Korea’s first president, Syngman Rhee (1948–1960), was forced to resign following a student-led uprising after accusations of election fraud. Rhee fled to Hawaii, where he died in exile in 1965.
A Precarious Presidency
South Korea’s presidential history underscores the volatile nature of its politics. From impeachment and imprisonment to coups and assassinations, the office has often been a battleground. As President Yoon faces impeachment threats, he adds another chapter to this storied and often tumultuous legacy.