South Korea’s political landscape has once again found itself under intense scrutiny. President Yoon Suk-yeol, whose leadership has been met with mounting public dissatisfaction, is now facing widespread protests calling for his resignation. This situation, though emblematic of a vibrant democratic spirit, raises important questions about political stability and the long-term health of South Korea’s democratic institutions.

Growing public discontent with president Yoon Suk-yeol

President Yoon’s approval ratings have fluctuated significantly since his inauguration in May 2022 (Jae-hee 2024). Criticism has centered on a variety of issues, including economic mismanagement, labor policies, foreign relations, and his administration’s handling of social issues. Many South Koreans, especially younger generations and labor groups, have expressed frustration over rising living costs, limited employment opportunities, and what they perceive as policy decisions that favor the elite.

These grievances have ignited protests, with demonstrators demanding President Yoon’s resignation. The protests are reminiscent of the 2016-2017 candlelight vigils that ultimately led to the impeachment and removal of then-President Park Geun-hye. While public protest is a fundamental democratic right, the repeated calls for presidential resignations risk setting a dangerous precedent that may undermine political stability.

The problem with people-led presidential resignations

South Korea’s democratic resilience is a hard-won achievement, with a transition from authoritarian rule to full democracy only solidified in the late 1980s. While public participation is a cornerstone of democracy, habitual reliance on mass protests to force elected leaders out of office can weaken institutional processes.

In a healthy democracy, mechanisms such as elections, legislative oversight, and judicial review are designed to hold leaders accountable. If these democratic checks and balances are circumvented by protests demanding resignation, it could create a culture where any unpopular administration risks being destabilized by street demonstrations. This dynamic not only undermines the authority of the presidency but also disrupts governance, making it difficult for long-term policies to be implemented.

President Yoon’s resignation, if it occurs, should come as a result of due process or his own recognition of failure, not solely due to the pressure of public demonstrations1. Encouraging a practice where leaders resign under popular protest risks eroding the legitimacy of future administrations and fostering political volatility. Moreover, it weakens the faith citizens have in democratic institutions designed to resolve such crises through established processes.

The historical context of political protests

South Korea’s history is marked by significant moments of public protest that have shaped its democratic development. The June Democracy Movement of 1987, which led to the end of military dictatorship and the establishment of direct presidential elections, is often seen as a powerful example of civic activism achieving systemic change (Global Nonviolent Databse n.d.). Similarly, the candlelight protests of 2016-2017 demonstrated the power of peaceful public mobilization to address corruption at the highest levels of government. These movements have solidified South Korea’s identity as a robust democracy where the people’s voice matters.

However, the frequency and intensity of protests demanding the resignation of presidents since democratization highlight a potential problem. While public outrage over legitimate issues must be respected, if this becomes the default mechanism for resolving dissatisfaction with leadership, it risks undermining the stability of democratic governance. Instead of allowing institutions to function, there is a risk of creating a cycle of political instability where no administration can effectively govern without fear of being ousted by mass demonstrations.

The role of the military: a distinctive aspect of South Korea’s democracy

Interestingly, the South Korean military has maintained a restrained stance during the recent wave of protests. Historically, South Korea experienced periods of military intervention in politics, particularly under the regimes of Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan (Open Korea 2024; The Korea Times 2010). However, since democratization, the military has remained largely apolitical and committed to constitutional governance.

During the protests against President Yoon, the military’s neutrality is a reassuring sign of South Korea’s mature democracy. Unlike in many other nations where military involvement in political crises remains a threat, South Korea’s armed forces respect the civilian leadership and democratic order. This professionalism reinforces the idea that democratic resolutions should emerge from institutional processes rather than force or coercion. The military’s decision to stay out of political affairs reflects a commitment to democratic norms and a recognition that the people’s will should be expressed through elections and legal processes, not through military influence.

Economic and social consequences of political instability

Frequent political upheaval in the form of mass protests and demands for resignation can have far-reaching economic and social consequences. Political uncertainty often discourages foreign investment, disrupts business operations, and damages consumer confidence. South Korea, as a major global economy reliant on exports and technological innovation, cannot afford repeated cycles of political instability.

Additionally, social cohesion can suffer when protests become the primary means of addressing political dissatisfaction. The polarization between supporters and detractors of the government can deepen, leading to a more divided society. This division makes it harder for any administration to achieve consensus on key policy issues, such as economic reform, labor rights, and international relations.

Moving toward stability and institutional integrity

To protect South Korea’s democratic progress, it is crucial to avoid normalizing the use of mass protests to unseat presidents. While civic activism is vital, consistent reliance on protests to remove leaders can destabilize the political system and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.

President Yoon, facing criticism, should consider reflecting on his administration’s shortcomings and engage in dialogue with his constituents. If the situation warrants a change in leadership, it should occur through institutional means—either through parliamentary processes, scheduled elections, or voluntary resignation—not as a direct consequence of mass protest movements.

Furthermore, South Korean society must foster a culture of political patience and long-term thinking. Democratic processes, though sometimes slow and imperfect, are designed to provide stability and accountability. By trusting these processes, South Korea can continue to grow as a resilient democracy.

South Korea’s ability to navigate these turbulent times without sacrificing democratic stability will determine the strength of its institutions for years to come. The military’s professionalism and the public’s passion for democracy are assets, but the path forward must prioritize due process over street-driven upheaval to maintain long-term political health. Balancing the need for civic engagement with respect for democratic institutions is the key to ensuring that South Korea’s hard-won democracy remains strong and stable.

Notes

1 This article was prepared prior to the impeachment vote on President Yoon, which took place on December 14, 2024. As of the time the article was written, there were significant developments regarding impeachment efforts following Yoon's martial law declaration. However, the article predates the final vote, so the conclusions it discusses were based on the political environment and circumstances leading up to that vote.
Global Nonviolent Databse. n.d. South Koreans Win Mass Campaign for Democracy, 1986-87. Global Nonviolent Databse.
Jae-hee, Choi. 2024. “Yoon’s Approval Rating Falls to 19%, All-Time Low: Survey.” The Korea Herald, November 1.
Open Korea. 2024. The Rise and Fall of Martial Law and Dictatorships in Korea: A Tale of People’s Power., Open Korea.
The Korea Times. 2010. “Gen. Park Chung-Hee’s May 16 Coup and Rise of Military Regime.” The Korea Times, May 16.