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martial law

​People celebrate after President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment was accepted, near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, on April 4, 2025.
What We're Watching

South Korean president ousted, election looms

South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Friday voted unanimously to oust impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol over his decision to declare martial law in December. Supporters of Yoon who gathered near the presidential residence in Seoul reportedly cried out in disappointment as the court’s 8-0 decision was announced. Others cheered the ruling. The center-right leader is now the second South Korean president to be ousted.

Protesters demanded the ouster of South Korean President Yoon in central Seoul on March 29, 2025.​
What We're Watching

South Korean leader to learn his political fate on Friday

South Korea’s Constitutional Court will tie the legal bow on what has been a tumultuous period for the country as it rules Friday on whether to formally dismiss or reinstate impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol.

What's next for South Korea after President Yoon's impeachment?
Quick Take

What's next for South Korea after President Yoon's impeachment?

Ian Bremmer's Quick Take: South Korea faces uncertainty as it transitions into a caretaker government after President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. In this Quick Take, Ian Bremmer discusses the implications for the country's global alliances and what's to come.

​A protester wears a South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol mask while holding a representation of prison bars, during a rally calling for the impeachment of the South Korean President, who declared martial law, which was reversed hours later, in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, December 11, 2024.
Asia

South Korean prosecutors weigh arresting president, police retreat after standoff

The lead prosecutor in South Korea’s criminal investigation into last week’s brief declaration of martial law said Wednesday he would arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol if warranted.

Why Assad’s sudden fall was surprising
ask ian

Why Assad’s sudden fall was surprising

Why did you originally think Assad would be able to resist being overthrown? What led you to believe Yoon's martial law declaration would fail in South Korea? What's another major geopolitical assessment you've made that played out differently than expected, and what does it reveal about the complexities of global politics? Ian Bremmer shares his insights on global politics this week on World In :60.

South Koreans hold a mass rally demanding the impeachment and imprisonment of President Yoon Suk-Yeol near the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on Dec. 7.
What We're Watching

Is anyone in charge of South Korea?

President Yoon Suk Yeol survived this weekend's impeachment vote because fellow conservatives, in a show of unity, walked out of the National Assembly on Saturday. But his People Power Party is pushing for Yoon's resignation and an end to the chaos. We delve into what the coming weeks will mean for Yoon, South Korea, and the region.

South Korean protestors calling for the dismissal and impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol outside the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on December 4, 2024. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law on December 3, 2024, citing threats to democracy from opposition lawmakers he labeled as pro-North Korea. The decree, which restricted political activities, media, and strikes, was quickly overturned by the National Assembly. The event highlights rising tensions and Yoon’s declining authority following significant opposition victories in recent elections.
What We're Watching

South Korean president faces impeachment, treason charges

Soon after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol lifted his imposition of martial law early Wednesday, opposition parties filed an impeachment bill against him in the National Assembly.

People gather outside the National Assembly after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, in Seoul, South Korea, on Dec. 4, 2024.
What We're Watching

South Korean president declares martial law — then backs off

In an unexpected, late-night speech on Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, banning all political activity, taking control of all media, and suspending parliament. For all of a few hours, it turned out. Now, he's facing possible impeachment.

Why South Korea's president declared martial law
Quick Take

Why South Korea's president declared martial law

Ian Bremmer's Quick Take: President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea deciding to suddenly declare emergency martial law, announcing together with the military all political activities prohibited. All media now under state control. No strikes, demonstrations allowed. Ian Bremmer breaks down the reason for this decision in this Quick Take.

Brothers of Italy party leader Giorgia Meloni attends the fourth voting session to elect the new parliament speaker in Rome.
News

What We’re Watching: Italy’s new leadership questions, Russia’s martial law, US midterm messaging

Meloni faces uphill battle in Italy, Putin declared martial law, both sides taking pot shots ahead of US midterms