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Image: Jung Yeon-je/AFP/Getty ImagesImage: Jung Yeon-je/AFP/Getty Images

South Korea

South Korea, or the Republic of Korea, faced the biggest political crisis of its democratic era when President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law on December 3 before the parliament overrode the decision.

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Demonstrators hold up signs at night against martial law

Demonstrators hold up signs at night against martial law

Women at the forefront of South Korea's martial law protests

Women have been expected to stay out of politics in South Korea but younger generations are bucking the trend.

A TV screen shows file images of North Korean soldiers

A TV screen shows file images of North Korean soldiers

Over 1,000 North Korean casualties in Ukraine war — Seoul

South Korea says there have been over 1,000 North Korean soldiers killed or injured since joining the fight.

South Korea Army chief General Park An-su

South Korea Army chief General Park An-su

South Korea military faces scrutiny amid officer arrests

Observers tell DW that South Korea's rule of law has shown resilience and the military remains ready.

An exterior view of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Korea in Seoul

An exterior view of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Korea in Seoul

South Korean President Yoon faces impeachment

Ruling and opposition parties are vying for power ahead of a potential general election.

Photo taken on Dec. 14, 2024, shows a plenary session at South Korea's National Assembly in Seoul. The unicameral assembly passed an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol later in the day.

Photo taken on Dec. 14, 2024, shows a plenary session at South Korea's National Assembly in Seoul. The unicameral assembly passed an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol later in the day.

South Korea's top court begins Yoon impeachment review

President Yoon Suk Yeol's surprise, sudden and rather short-lived imposition of martial law is being investigated.

Han Duck-soo

Han Duck-soo

South Korea's acting president reaffirms alliance with US

US President Joe Biden called US alliance with South Korea the "linchpin for peace" in the region.

South Korea - Martial Law Protest

South Korea - Martial Law Protest

South Korean lawmakers vote to impeach president

Less than two weeks after his short-lived martial law decree, South Korea's president has been impeached and suspended.

Lee Jae-myung delivers a statement at the National Assembly in Seoul

Lee Jae-myung delivers a statement at the National Assembly in Seoul

South Korean opposition leader says Yoon must be impeached

South Korean lawmakers are set to hold another vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday.

Kim Jong Un waves in an official photo on November 15

Kim Jong Un waves in an official photo on November 15

How North Korea responded to South's political turmoil

Pyongyang's propagandists have been unusually slow in responding to the political upheaval in South Korea.

A screen shows South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaking during a televised address at a bus terminal in Seoul on December 12, 2024

A screen shows South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaking during a televised address at a bus terminal in Seoul on December 12, 2024

South Korea's President Yoon defends martial law decision

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said his decision to impose martial law was a bid to protect democracy.

People watch the live broadcasting of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering an address to the nation, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, December 7, 2024.

People watch the live broadcasting of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering an address to the nation, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, December 7, 2024.

South Korea: Police search President Yoon's office

The search of president Yoon Suk Yeol's office came ahead of a second attempt to impeach him.

Han Kang at the Swedish Academy in Stockholm.

Han Kang at the Swedish Academy in Stockholm.

What drives Nobel Prize winner Han Kang to write?

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A crowd of protesters in Seoul holding red signs and hand-held lights

A crowd of protesters in Seoul holding red signs and hand-held lights

South Korean democracy tested as Yoon clings to power

South Korea's democracy has proved resilient since President Yoon's failed attempt to impose martial law.

South Korea | Protesters demand resignation of President Yoon

South Korea | Protesters demand resignation of President Yoon

South Korean leadership in limbo after martial law fiasco

Protesters in Seoul are demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol after he survived an impeachment vote.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korea bans President Yoon Suk Yeol from foreign travel

The travel ban comes after Yoon was forced to reverse a controversial martial law decree last week.

South Korea's former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun during a news conference in Washington D.C.

South Korea's former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun during a news conference in Washington D.C.

South Korea arrests ex-defense minister over martial law

South Korea's former defense minister has been arrested for his role in President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law decree.

Protesters wear masks depicting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, outgoing Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, People Power Party's leader Han Dong-hoon and Choo Kyung-ho at a rally calling for the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law, which was reversed hours later, near the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, December 7, 2024.

Protesters wear masks depicting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, outgoing Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, People Power Party's leader Han Dong-hoon and Choo Kyung-ho at a rally calling for the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law, which was reversed hours later, near the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, December 7, 2024.

South Korean lawmakers fail to impeach embattled president

Will South Korea's political turmoil, triggered by President Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law, now subside?

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaking at the presidential office with Korean flag in the background

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaking at the presidential office with Korean flag in the background

Apology but no resignation: South Korea's President Yoon

South Korea's parliament is meeting to vote on impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol.

People watch the live broadcasting of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering an address to the nation, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea

People watch the live broadcasting of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering an address to the nation, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea

South Korea: Yoon apologizes for declaring martial law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized to the nation but did not resign ahead of an impeachment vote.

A panoramic view of protesters gathered in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, condemning President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law

A panoramic view of protesters gathered in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, condemning President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law

South Korea's President Yoon under pressure to resign

Impeachment looms for South Korea's president after his attempt to impose martial law unleashed widespread outrage.

Archive image of mass student protests demanding the lifting of martial law and the resignation of Prime Minister Shin Hyon-Hwack and Korean Central Intelligence Agency chief Lieutenant General Chun Doo-Hwan, May 1980. A group of people, seen from the back, with their left fists raised as they face riot police.

Archive image of mass student protests demanding the lifting of martial law and the resignation of Prime Minister Shin Hyon-Hwack and Korean Central Intelligence Agency chief Lieutenant General Chun Doo-Hwan, May 1980. A group of people, seen from the back, with their left fists raised as they face riot police.

In South Korea, a history of abuses of power

President Yoon's power grab brought up familiar feelings in South Korea, where the last dictatorship ended in 1988.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea

South Korea: Ruling party calls for president's suspension

The head of South Korea's ruling party called for suspending the constitutional powers of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Members of main opposition Democratic Party stage a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

Members of main opposition Democratic Party stage a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

South Korea's political turmoil continues amid public anger

Prosecutors are investigating President Yoon Suk Yeol and two ministers for briefly imposing martial law on Tuesday.

South Koreans hold signs reading "Expulsion of Yoon Suk Yeol" during a rally in Seoul, South Korea

South Koreans hold signs reading "Expulsion of Yoon Suk Yeol" during a rally in Seoul, South Korea

South Korea: Push to impeach Yoon, defense minister resigns

Prosecutors say they are investigating President Yoon Suk Yeol, plus his interior minister and former defense minister.

people hold signs reading "punish" in Korean at a rally to demand the president's ouster

people hold signs reading "punish" in Korean at a rally to demand the president's ouster

South Korea reels from apparent coup attempt

South Koreans have expressed dismay and disbelief following President Yoon Suk Yeol's shock declaration of martial law.

National Assembly employees spray a fire extinguisher towards soldiers at the National Assembly in Seoul

National Assembly employees spray a fire extinguisher towards soldiers at the National Assembly in Seoul

South Korea: What's next after Yoon's martial law fiasco?

Embattled South Korean leader Yoon faces impeachment after his miscalculated declaration of martial law backfired.

People watch a TV screen showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's televised briefing

People watch a TV screen showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's televised briefing

South Korea's president faces impeachment

South Korea's head of state Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment after declaring martial law in the Asian democracy.

A protester with a sign reading "Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol" at a rally in Seoul on Wednesday morning

A protester with a sign reading "Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol" at a rally in Seoul on Wednesday morning

South Korean opposition presents impeachment bill for Yoon

Parties have submitted a bill to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his short-lived bid to impose martial law.

Soldiers entering the National Assembly of South Korea

Soldiers entering the National Assembly of South Korea

South Korea ends martial law after parliamentary rejection

Soldiers entered parliament soon after a shock late-night address from President Yoon — before a dramatic climb-down.

South Korean climate activists march down a street in Busan with a large placard that reads: Drastic plastic reduction now!

South Korean climate activists march down a street in Busan with a large placard that reads: Drastic plastic reduction now!

Plastics pollution treaty still elusive at UN summit

Negotiators at a UN summit in Busan, South Korea, still haven't reached a deal to curb plastic pollution.

Three women jump and throw snow at Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, South Korea

Three women jump and throw snow at Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, South Korea

South Koreans rejoice in record snowfall amid casualties

At least four people have died in accidents caused by record snowfall in South Korea.

A plane parked on the tarmac at Incheon international airport in Seoul during snowfall

A plane parked on the tarmac at Incheon international airport in Seoul during snowfall

South Korea: At least 4 dead in heavy snowfall

Seoul saw the heaviest snowfall in over 100 years, with more than 40 cm of snow piling up in parts of the capital city.

Visitors enjoy in snow at the Gyeongbok Palace, one of South Korea's well-known landmarks, in Seoul, South Korea

Visitors enjoy in snow at the Gyeongbok Palace, one of South Korea's well-known landmarks, in Seoul, South Korea

South Korea's Seoul inundated by record November snowfall

A major snowstorm has blanketed much of South Korea, grounding flights and disrupting traffic.

Women protesting spycam pornography in Seoul, South Korea, 2018 — one of the signs reads 'Angry women will change the world'

Women protesting spycam pornography in Seoul, South Korea, 2018 — one of the signs reads 'Angry women will change the world'

Feminism's sex strike: How the 4B movement is spreading

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People on boats collect recyclable plastics from the heavily polluted Citarum River at Batujajar in Bandung, West Java

People on boats collect recyclable plastics from the heavily polluted Citarum River at Batujajar in Bandung, West Java

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A mine tunnel

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US President Joe Biden attends the APEC summit

US President Joe Biden attends the APEC summit

Biden meets allies, warns of 'significant political change'

Joe Biden has tried to reassure leaders of Japan and South Korea as the allies met on the sidelines of the APEC summit.

South Korea's opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung

South Korea's opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung

South Korea: opposition leader handed suspended jail term

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Kim Jong Un and military officials

Kim Jong Un and military officials

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South Korean and US army troops take part in a UFS (Ulchi Freedom Shield) Drill at Seungjin Live fire range in Paju, South Korea

South Korean and US army troops take part in a UFS (Ulchi Freedom Shield) Drill at Seungjin Live fire range in Paju, South Korea

Trump's comeback fuels nuclear debate in South Korea

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

North Korea jammed GPS in South, says Seoul

The alleged GPS interference by North Korea has affected the operations of several flights and ships in South Korea.

Hwasong-19 ICBM after being launched

Hwasong-19 ICBM after being launched

North Korea launches wave of missiles on eve of US election

The flurry of launches comes days after North Korea tested a new ICBM designed to reach the US mainland.

A US Air Force B-1B Bomber flies during a ceremony marking the 76th Armed Forces Day held at Seoul Air Base

A US Air Force B-1B Bomber flies during a ceremony marking the 76th Armed Forces Day held at Seoul Air Base

US long-range bomber joins air drill with South Korea, Japan

The United States conducted drills with South Korea and Japan, flying a B-1B bomber near the Korean Peninsula.

People at a train station in Seoul watch a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test on October 31

People at a train station in Seoul watch a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test on October 31

North Korea ballistic missile launch draws condemnation

Japan's Coast Guard and Pyongyang say North Korea has fired what seemed to be a ballistic missile.

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South Korean Finance Minister Park Jin visits Hyundai factory in Chennai in April 2023

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North Korean troops march in formation during a military parade in Pyongyang in 2023

North Korean troops march in formation during a military parade in Pyongyang in 2023

South Korea says North Korean soldiers headed to Ukraine

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Demolition of parts of the northern sections of unused road and rail links that once connected the country with the South, seen from North Korea Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.

Demolition of parts of the northern sections of unused road and rail links that once connected the country with the South, seen from North Korea Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.

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South Korean army soldiers patrol along the barbed-wire fence in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea

South Korean army soldiers patrol along the barbed-wire fence in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea

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The situation in North Korea is "unstable" and predicting the regime's actions has become complicated, say analysts.