SINGAPORE: South Korea is grappling with the longest presidential impeachment trial in the country’s history. The Constitutional Court is now overdue in delivering its verdict on President Yoon Suk Yeol. If found guilty – as many expect – he will be forced to step down, triggering an election within 60 days. But the scars left on society will take much longer to heal. 

The eight judges have presumably been worried about public opinion. Hundreds of thousands of people from rival camps have taken to the streets to protest ahead of the judgment. Schools and subway stations have been closed, with scores of police officers guarding the areas around the court. 

The potential for violence in the days ahead is still great. Still, that shouldn’t take away from the urgent and necessary reform of the political system to prevent future abuse of power.

Equally important is focusing on foreign policy challenges, and North Korea’s growing nuclear threat. Neither will be easy.

EMBROILED IN YET ANOTHER CRISIS

President Donald Trump’s administration has taken steps that could upend America’s alliance system, putting countries like South Korea at risk. He’s lashed out at Asian allies and has declined to confirm whether the United States would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. All of this is pushing countries like Japan and South Korea to think far more seriously about rearmament. 

The growing threat from North Korea is also prompting debate about when – not if – Seoul should develop nuclear weapons of its own. Yoon’s administration has at times flirted with the idea of South Korea pursuing its own deterrent. Whatever happens to him, it’s unclear how a future government might navigate this geopolitically fraught issue, despite the strength of domestic support. 

These are the issues South Koreans should be focused on. Instead they’ve been embroiled in yet another crisis, one that is very much the product of their political system.

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