Democracy In South Korea: Examining Stability amidst Political Challenges
Democracy In South Korea: Examining Stability amidst Political Challenges
Abstract Submissions Closed
RC18 Political Sociology (host committee)
Language: English
Session Type: Oral
The political landscape of South Korea has experienced significant evolution
since the nation democratised in 1987. Characterised by vibrant civil society and bustling
media, South Korea presented itself as a successful example of consolidated democracy. Yet, this enduring image encountered a jolting contradiction with President Yun Suk Yeol's
declaration of martial law in December 2024, which prompted legislative and civilian rebuff,
exposing ingrained polarisation. Though the impeachment of President Yun was affirmed by
the Constitutional Court in 2025, it provokes critical questions about the health of Korean
democracy, origins of this turmoil, and potential routes for resolving the political crisis.
A key aim of this Research Topic is to dissect the Korean political crisis, highlighting its
indication of a democracy under strain despite economic prosperity and technological
advancement. With a history of frequent presidential impeachment, such events are
symptomatic of deeper democratic ailments in South Korea. This Research Topic seeks to
explore potential constitutional reforms, modifications in governance systems, economic policy reforms to mitigate polarisation and
enhancements in electoral processes that could better reflect a diversifying electorate.
since the nation democratised in 1987. Characterised by vibrant civil society and bustling
media, South Korea presented itself as a successful example of consolidated democracy. Yet, this enduring image encountered a jolting contradiction with President Yun Suk Yeol's
declaration of martial law in December 2024, which prompted legislative and civilian rebuff,
exposing ingrained polarisation. Though the impeachment of President Yun was affirmed by
the Constitutional Court in 2025, it provokes critical questions about the health of Korean
democracy, origins of this turmoil, and potential routes for resolving the political crisis.
A key aim of this Research Topic is to dissect the Korean political crisis, highlighting its
indication of a democracy under strain despite economic prosperity and technological
advancement. With a history of frequent presidential impeachment, such events are
symptomatic of deeper democratic ailments in South Korea. This Research Topic seeks to
explore potential constitutional reforms, modifications in governance systems, economic policy reforms to mitigate polarisation and
enhancements in electoral processes that could better reflect a diversifying electorate.
Panelists:
Jamie Doucette, University of Manchester
Building the Basic Society: Strengthening Democratic Legitimacy in Turbulent Times?
Youngmi Kim, University of Edinburgh
Social and political cleavages in voting behaviour in South Korea
Kyounghee Cho, Birmingham City University, bmclub1@naver.com
Institutional Pathways to Responsible AI: A Comparative Analysis of Policy Operationalisation in South Korea and the United Kingdom
Session Organizer: