Impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol isn’t the first leader of South Korea to face the courts after leaving office. And, if you look over South Korean history, his is actually one of the better outcomes. Of its 13 leaders since 1948, five were indicted, one was exiled, one was assassinated, one committed suicide, and two were pushed out in a coup.
Graphic Truth
The secret to success as a South Korean leader? Don't retire.

Graphic showing how many South Korean leaders have had unfortunate ends to their time as leaders.
Riley Callanan
By Riley CallananMay 01, 2025
Riley Callanan
Riley is a writer and reporter for GZERO. When she isn’t writing about global politics, you can find her making GZERO’s crossword puzzles, conducting research on American politics, or persisting in her lifelong quest to learn French. Riley spends her time outside of work grilling, dancing, and wearing many hats (both literally and figuratively).


















