The political scientist predicted the consequences of impeachment of the president of South Korea

The unanimous decision of the Constitutional Court, which approved the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol, reflects the political consensus that has developed around assessing his actions as unacceptable. This is the final point in the history of his rule, which was increasingly perceived as a deviation from the South Korean political tradition, said Daria Kurginova, an expert at the Polylogue Group. She told Izvestia about the consequences that are expected in the country.

"The Conservatives, the former base of Yoon Seok—young's electoral base, are experiencing a deep crisis of legitimacy. The party is actually split, and the political inertia that previously allowed it to rely on fear of "leftist populists" is now not working: they themselves have found themselves in the role of an anti-democratic force. The defeat of his administration will lead to a review of the strategies of the right-wing forces: they will be forced to change leaders and reassemble the political narrative in order to regain the trust of the younger generation and the centrist electorate," the political scientist explained.

To leave and not return: The Constitutional Court of Korea approved the impeachment of the president

The country is waiting for early elections, the opposition has the highest chances.

At the same time, she clarified that Lee Jae—myung, the leader of the Democratic Party and a figure with significant electoral capital, has become the de facto main contender for the presidency. Kurginova recalled that his lag in the 2022 elections was minimal (48.56% versus 47.83%).

"In the eyes of a significant part of society, he looks not just like an alternative, but a hero of political resistance who saved the country from disaster. Since the election, he has consistently rebuilt his image as a defender of democracy. Against the background of conflicts over justice reforms, political persecution and falling living standards, he managed to consolidate the party's assets and a significant part of the politically active middle class," the expert emphasized.

According to her, the impeachment of Yoon Seok-young only secured this status for Lee Jae-myung.

The fact that the Constitutional Court of South Korea approved the impeachment of the country's president was reported on April 4. He was removed from office. The presidential elections are to be held within 60 days. They are expected to be held on June 3.