South Korean leader's drastic moves put his political future at risk
A former prosecutor turned president faces strong push-back after trying to impose martial law. His own party members question his leadership while opposition plans next steps
Yoon Suk Yeol struggles to keep control after his bold-but-failed attempt to declare martial law earlier this week (which didnt go as planned). His ruling party members skipped the impeachment vote on dec-7th but some now want him gone
The ex-prosecutor who never held office before becoming president about 2 years ago‚ has made quite a stir: “Grab them all and round them up“ he reportedly said about opposing parliament members [[according to intelligence committee member Kim Byung-kee]]
His recent troubles include:
- First ladys Christian Dior bag scandal
- Stock price manipulation claims
- Failed martial-law declaration
- Party members turning against him
Despite foreign-policy wins with Japan and US relations Yoon cant catch a break at home. His high-school buddy Kim Yong-hyun (now defense minister) suggested the martial law idea which backfired big-time
Born rich in Seoul Yoon had an interesting path – failing the bar exam eight times before passing. His fame came when he investigated ex-president Park Geun-hye; that case made him popular with anti-corruption folks
The presidentʼs early days were rough too: he moved the presidential office because of possible feng-shui issues and kept loyal yes-men after the halloween crowd disaster that killed many people last year. His friend from school Lee Sang-min stayed as Safety Minister despite public anger
His wifeʼs designer bag problem and other family issues made his party lose big in spring elections. Even though prosecutors didnt charge anyone Yoon still feels heat from these scandals
