Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Scrutiny Over Scandal

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is embroiled in a significant influence-peddling scandal involving allegations that he and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, inappropriately influenced candidate nominations for a 2022 by-election. During a recent press conference, Yoon apologized for public concern while denying any wrongdoing, asserting that his wife's involvement was merely as a supportive spouse. Opposition parties have accused the couple of using election broker Myung Tae-kyun to sway party decisions, with leaked recordings suggesting Yoon's political interference. This controversy has severely impacted Yoon's approval ratings, which have plummeted below 20%. As he navigates this internal turmoil, Yoon also faces pressing foreign policy challenges, including U.S.-North Korea relations amid Donald Trump's election. The opposition is calling for a special counsel investigation, further complicating Yoon's political landscape.