South Korea Faces Political Turmoil as Impeachment Vote Nears

Protests and political uncertainty follow a brief martial law declaration, raising concerns for tourism and soft power.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration on December 3 was overturned within hours, but political unrest persists with a second impeachment vote scheduled for Saturday.
Protests have erupted across the country, with many demonstrating peacefully but passionately for Yoon's resignation, reflecting South Korea's robust democratic culture.
The political crisis has led to travel warnings from several countries, with minor increases in tourist cancellations and concerns about long-term impacts on South Korea's tourism and hospitality sectors.
Experts suggest South Korea's globally influential entertainment industry and cultural exports, including K-pop and K-dramas, remain resilient despite the ongoing unrest.
Calls for Yoon's resignation have gained momentum, with prominent figures in South Korea's film industry, including 'Parasite' director Bong Joon-ho, joining petitions urging his removal.