Beijing and Pyongyang Will Exploit South Korea’s Turmoil
The geopolitical landscape may soon become less friendly to the US.
China and North Korea will exploit the turmoil in Seoul.
Photographer: Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images
South Korea’s political crisis shows no sign of abating. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and impending arrest will usher in months of leadership uncertainty. The chaos will be welcomed by China and North Korea, but for the US, its influence with a key ally is at risk.
Yoon has said he will fight to stay on, despite his disastrous declaration of martial law late on Dec. 3, but he is unlikely to succeed. The Constitutional Court has 180 days to decide whether to accept the impeachment motion passed by the National Assembly as legal. If it does, the leader will be ousted and elections must be held in 60 days.