Society
2024 Top 10 National News Martial law, impeachment chaos grips South Korea at end of year
For South Koreans, 2024 proved to be more dramatic than previous ones.
Dec 20, 2024
![[2024 Top 10 National News] Martial law, impeachment chaos grips South Korea at end of year](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Lee Hyo-jin
Korea Times Finance Reporter
Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
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Defense
Ex-intelligence commander accused of playing key role in martial law plot
A former military intelligence commander is facing allegations of playing a pivotal role in the botched martial law scheme, with speculations growing that the retired Army general, a civilian, drafted the plan for the emergency military rule.
Dec 19, 2024
Politics
Yoon's imposition of martial law does not constitute treason, says his lawyer
President Yoon Suk Yeol's legal team will respond to the ongoing criminal investigation into his declaration of martial law, asserting that his actions do not constitute treason, according to Yoon's lawyer, Tuesday.
Dec 17, 2024
Politics
How scandals surrounding first lady contributed to Yoon's downfall
A slew of controversies surrounding first lady Kim Keon Hee has haunted President Yoon Suk Yeol even before he took office in May 2022. Left unaddressed, these scandals became a major factor in Yoon's dramatic fall from grace, as the president now awaits impeachment proceedings at the Constitutional Court.
Dec 16, 2024
Foreign Affairs
South Korea's outreach to Trump remains steady despite president's absence: FM
South Korea will maintain its foreign policy direction, and its diplomatic efforts to engage with the incoming Donald Trump administration will remain steadfast despite President Yoon Suk Yeol's suspension from duties following his impeachment, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said Sunday.
Dec 15, 2024
Foreign Affairs
Reporter's Notebook Yoon clings to power, worsening Korea's tarnished diplomatic standing
The Korean public was not the only one frustrated by President Yoon Suk Yeol's address on Thursday, in which he justified his short-lived imposition of martial law as an “attempt to protect the nation's democracy” and accused his political opponents of being “monsters.”
Dec 13, 2024
Politics
Election commission chief slams Yoon's voter fraud claims
Roh Tae-ak, chairman of the National Election Commission (NEC), expressed shock, Friday, over President Yoon Suk Yeol's claim that the April 10 parliamentary elections were rigged. He called the deployment of troops to NEC facilities during the brief period of martial law as "unconstitutional."
Dec 13, 2024
Defense
South Korea faces security void as key military officials dismissed amid martial law fallout
South Korea's defense posture is facing one of its most vulnerable moments in history due to the fallout from President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law crisis, military analysts said Thursday. They expressed concerns over the military's readiness to effectively respond to possible North Korean provocations.
Dec 12, 2024
Politics
Ruling party divided over Yoon's exit plan
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) is grappling with internal divisions over how to navigate President Yoon Suk Yeol’s resignation after his de facto withdrawal from state affairs in the wake of his martial law debacle, according to party officials and political watchers, Monday.
Dec 9, 2024