TryGOLD- Free

South Korea Is Badly Exposed to the Risk of Political Paralysis
Mint Chennai|January 14, 2025
Compromise and unity, not division and strife, are what it needs
- KARISHMA VASWANI

South Korea's prolonged political crisis appears to have no end in sight. It's just over a month since President Yoon Suk Yeol declared, then lifted, martial law, and since then, the domestic and regional challenges have been multiplying.

To manage the chaos, citizens need to set aside their differences and find a way out of the impasse. That won't be easy.

Animosity between factions runs deep. Attempts to arrest Yoon, impeached on 14 December, have so far ended in vain. His supporters marched in the streets, calling for authorities to "Stop the Steal," a reference to the chant that Trump's camp echoed against President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, alleging his victory was rigged.

Yoon has remained defiant. He's also under criminal investigation for insurrection, but has vowed to "fight until the end," hiding out in his Seoul home protected by a blockade of buses, barbed wire, crowds of supporters and his own armed security guards.

It's unclear whether authorities will be able to arrest him without risking a violent confrontation.

His fate has become a lightning rod for South Korea's growing political divisions. The gap between loyalists and those who want him out is widening, a worrying development in a relatively young democracy.

This story is from the January 14, 2025 edition of Mint Chennai.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 14, 2025 edition of Mint Chennai.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MINT CHENNAIView All
Mint Chennai

DeChambeau Bonanza for Golf Fans in India

Golfer Bryson DeChambeau will be playing at the International Series India in Gurugram

time-read
4 mins  |
January 18, 2025
Mint Chennai

Following the trail of Darjeeling Sherpas

Over the course of 12 years, Nandini Purandare and Deepa Balsavar have documented the struggles and challenges of Sherpas

time-read
4 mins  |
January 18, 2025
Mint Chennai

EV shift cranks up demand for Anand Group auto parts

Anand Group's sunroof business has emerged as a standout performer, with capacities already at full utilization

time-read
2 mins  |
January 18, 2025
Mint Chennai

The Dirty Picture-Mag

A really good dirty joke is hard to forget. Few shows have dared to blend the risqué with the revolutionary as seamlessly as Minx.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 18, 2025
Mint Chennai

Sebi rejects KOEL's bid over DFS disclosure

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has opposed an appeal filed by Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd (KOEL) in the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) challenging the regulator's advisory to the company to disclose the Deed of Family Settlement (DFS).

time-read
1 min  |
January 18, 2025
Mint Chennai

A contemporary take on southern flavours

Following a global trend, progressive south Indian has emerged as an interesting subset within the genre of modern Indian cuisine

time-read
4 mins  |
January 18, 2025
Mint Chennai

Good immigrants or pesky invaders?

As Donald Trump returns amid raging controversies over H1B visas, a new book documents the rise of Indians in the US

time-read
6 mins  |
January 18, 2025
Mint Chennai

Demi Moore refuses to fade away quietly

Coralie Fargeat's 'The Substance' puts Moore through the wringer and gives her the spotlight

time-read
1 min  |
January 18, 2025
Mint Chennai

A literary tour of Bengaluru

A new, self-guided audio tour of the city's bookish haunts, from old libraries to independent bookstores, is a delight

time-read
2 mins  |
January 18, 2025
Mint Chennai

Hyundai Debuts Creta Electric at a Price of Under ₹18 Lakh

Hyundai Motor India launched the Creta Electric, the electric vehicle (EV) adaptation of its best-selling mid-size SUV, at an introductory price of ₹17,99,000 on Friday.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 18, 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more