You probably remember the headlines. Those wild, grainy videos of soldiers climbing through windows in Seoul and the chaotic shouting matches inside the National Assembly. It felt like South Korea’s democracy was teetering on a knife-edge. Honestly, if you blinked, you might have missed how fast the political landscape shifted from one president to a completely different administration.
The story of the south korea president 2025 is not just about a name on a ballot. It is a saga of a failed martial law attempt, a dramatic arrest at a private residence, and a country trying to find its footing after a constitutional crisis that many thought was a relic of the 1980s.
The Impeachment That Changed Everything
Early 2025 began with a vacuum. Yoon Suk Yeol, the conservative leader who had taken office in 2022, was effectively a president in name only during the first few weeks of the year. After his botched attempt to declare martial law on December 3, 2024—a move he claimed was necessary to "eradicate pro-North Korean forces"—the public trust didn't just dip. It evaporated.
He spent the start of 2025 holed up in his official residence in Hannam-dong. Protesters were outside every single night. The National Assembly had already voted to impeach him in mid-December 2024, but the final word rested with the Constitutional Court.
While the court deliberated, the country was technically run by acting leaders. First, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo took the reins. Then, in a move that confused even the most seasoned political junkies, Han himself faced impeachment. By the time the dust settled, the Constitutional Court delivered its unanimous verdict on April 4, 2025. Yoon was out. Permanently.
👉 See also: What Category Was Harvey? The Surprising Truth Behind the Number
Who is the South Korea President 2025 Now?
With Yoon officially removed, South Korea had to scramble. Under the law, a snap election must happen within 60 days of a president’s removal. On June 3, 2025, voters headed back to the polls.
The winner? Lee Jae-myung.
The leader of the liberal Democratic Party (DPK) secured roughly 49.4% of the vote. It was a massive swing in power. Lee, a former governor known for his populist "Basic Income" proposals and his sharp-tongued debating style, took office on June 4, 2025.
But don't think it's been smooth sailing. Lee walked into a Blue House (well, technically the new presidential office in Yongsan, though he’s made moves to change how the office functions) that was deeply polarized. Half the country sees him as a savior of democracy; the other half is terrified he will move the country too close to China and North Korea.
✨ Don't miss: When Does Joe Biden's Term End: What Actually Happened
A New Direction in Foreign Policy
Lee Jae-myung’s presidency has been a stark departure from the "Global Pivotal State" strategy of his predecessor. You’ve probably seen the shift in how Seoul talks to Washington and Beijing.
- The U.S. Alliance: Lee pledged to keep the alliance strong, but he's much more vocal about "South Korea First" economics. He's had to navigate a tricky relationship with the Trump administration in the U.S., balancing security needs with heavy tariffs on Korean cars and steel.
- China Ties: Unlike Yoon, who leaned heavily into the U.S.-Japan-Korea trilateral, Lee has pursued a "pragmatic" relationship with Beijing. He wants to repair the economic damage from previous years of tension.
- North Korea: Communication lines are open again. It's a far cry from the "deterrence-only" talk of 2023.
The Unprecedented Arrest of an Ex-President
One of the most shocking parts of the south korea president 2025 timeline happened behind the scenes—and then very publicly—in January. Yoon Suk Yeol became the first sitting president in South Korean history to face an arrest warrant.
When investigators first showed up at his house on January 3, 2025, they were blocked. The Presidential Security Service literally formed a human shield. It was a standoff that lasted hours. Eventually, on January 15, 2025, Yoon surrendered.
Fast forward to January 16, 2026, and a Seoul court has just sentenced the former president to five years in prison for obstructing that very arrest. That is just the tip of the iceberg, though. He’s still facing trials for "insurrection" related to the martial law decree, where prosecutors are actually seeking the death penalty. It sounds like a movie script, but it's the reality of Seoul right now.
🔗 Read more: Fire in Idyllwild California: What Most People Get Wrong
What This Means for You
If you are looking at South Korea as a traveler, an investor, or just a news junkie, the 2025 transition tells us a few things. First, the "Korea Discount" in the stock market is real when politics are this volatile. Second, the country’s democratic institutions—the courts and the parliament—actually held up under extreme pressure.
Actionable Insights for Following South Korean Politics:
- Watch the Constitutional Court: They are the ultimate referees. Their 2025 rulings set the precedent for how future presidents can (and cannot) use emergency powers.
- Monitor the "Trial of the Century": The insurrection trial of Yoon Suk Yeol is ongoing. The verdict scheduled for February 2026 will likely define the political mood for the rest of the year.
- Keep an eye on the Chaebols: President Lee Jae-myung has been surprisingly pragmatic with big business leaders like Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong, despite his "anti-elite" campaign rhetoric. This suggests economic stability is his top priority.
South Korea in 2025 proved that it can change directions at lightning speed. It went from a conservative, U.S.-aligned hawkish stance to a liberal, pragmatic, and reform-heavy administration in less than six months. The ghost of the 2024 martial law attempt still haunts the halls of power, but for now, Lee Jae-myung is the one calling the shots.