South Korea Faces Political Turmoil as Yoon Suk Yeol Ousted

The impeachment and removal of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has triggered a snap presidential election, with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung currently favored to win. This political upheaval occurs as North Korea grows more resilient, with a strengthened domestic economy and new geopolitical advantages, challenging Seoul's incoming administration. The crisis has also created opportunities for China to weaken South Korea's ties to the U.S., as Beijing leverages trade tensions and political instability to influence Seoul's foreign policy. Lee Jae-myung has previously signaled openness to closer ties with China and criticism of U.S. military expansion, raising concerns about a potential shift in South Korea's strategic orientation. The Constitutional Court's decision to oust Yoon was seen as a landmark defense of democratic principles, with outgoing justices emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional norms and the rule of law amid growing political division.