A test of national unity and trust in the rule of law
As Korea stands on the brink of a historic ruling by the Constitutional Court regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, the nation finds itself divided. The looming decision has ignited massive protests, with supporters and opponents of the president occupying major squares in downtown Seoul and other cities. The streets surrounding the Constitutional Court are filled with fervent rally participants, each group hoping to sway the court’s decision in their favor. From Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul to the streets of Busan, Sejong and Gumi, the intensity of these protests has underscored the deepening polarization within the country.
Fortunately, the situation has remained largely peaceful, thanks to the efforts of the police who have taken extensive precautions to prevent violence. Measures such as the installation of bus walls and the mobilization of large numbers of officers have kept major clashes at bay. However, the rhetoric from some protest leaders remains dangerously inflammatory, with reckless remarks and provocations that could easily incite violence. The rising tensions are cause for concern, as the possibility of unrest looms large in the aftermath of the ruling.
Beyond the physical protests, there is a more insidious threat to the stability of Korea's democracy: a growing lack of trust in the Constitutional Court. Recent polling by Gallup Korea revealed a worrying trend: confidence in the court has dropped from 57 percent to 53 percent in just one month. More troubling still is that nearly half of the respondents (42 percent) indicated they would refuse to accept the court's ruling if it went against their personal views. Only 54 percent expressed a willingness to respect the outcome, reflecting the troubling erosion of trust in the institutions meant to safeguard democracy.
The rhetoric from political figures has only exacerbated this crisis of trust. Some lawmakers from the conservative ruling People Power Party (PPP) have openly attacked the Constitutional Court, calling it a “destructor of the Constitution” and encouraging protests to "annihilate" it. On the other hand, opposition figures from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) have engaged in their own performative acts of defiance, including shaving their heads in symbolic protest. Even these actions are deeply troubling, as they send a dangerous message to the public: that rejecting the court's authority is acceptable when a decision does not align with one's political beliefs.
The Constitutional Court’s role is to provide an impartial interpretation of the law, yet it is clear that the current political climate is putting enormous pressure on the justices. This threatens to undermine not only the court's legitimacy but also the very fabric of Korean democracy. The ability of citizens to accept the rulings of an independent judiciary is fundamental to the rule of law. When people begin to see the court as a political entity rather than an impartial arbiter, the foundations of democracy are put at risk.
The responsibility to uphold this principle rests not just with the judiciary but also with political leaders. It is imperative that both the PPP and the DPK, as well as Yoon himself, demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law. This means unequivocally declaring, before the public, that they will respect the outcome of the Constitutional Court’s ruling, no matter the decision. It is not enough for political leaders to issue vague statements pledging to accept the result; they must actively demonstrate their commitment to national unity and the preservation of the democratic process.
Yoon, in particular, must take responsibility for the current state of affairs. As the head of state, he must set the tone for the entire nation by affirming that he will accept the final ruling, regardless of the consequences. This is the minimum expectation for any leader in a democracy, and failure to do so will only deepen the divisions within society.
At the same time, the leaders of both major political parties must make a joint public declaration to respect the court's decision. PPP floor leader Rep. Kweon Seong-dong and DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung have both expressed their intentions to honor the ruling, but their pledges must be made in the spirit of unity, not mere political posturing. It is time for them to put aside their differences and demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law, for the good of the nation.
The ruling on Yoon’s impeachment will not only determine his political fate but also serve as a litmus test for Korea’s commitment to democracy. The nation must demonstrate that it is capable of transcending political divides, respecting the institutions that safeguard its democracy and upholding the rule of law. Anything less would be a betrayal of the principles that have long guided progress.
English (United States) ·