The President of South Korea, Roh Moo-hyun, is impeached by its National Assembly: The first such impeachment in the nation's history.

The office of the President of the Republic of Korea, often simply referred to as the President of South Korea (대한민국 대통령; 大韓民國 大統領), stands as the paramount leadership position within the nation. This individual is not only the head of state but also the head of government, wielding chief administrative authority over the executive branch and serving as the Commander in Chief of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. It's a role that encapsulates immense responsibility, guiding the nation's domestic and foreign policy, and symbolizing the country on the global stage.

The Election and Role of the President of South Korea

The path to the presidency in South Korea is determined by a direct, secret ballot, a democratic safeguard established by the Constitution and the amended Presidential Election Act of 1987. This pivotal change brought an end to sixteen years of indirect presidential elections, ensuring the leader is chosen directly by the people. Presidents are elected to a single five-year term, with no possibility of re-election, a measure designed to prevent the concentration of power and encourage accountability. Should a presidential vacancy occur, a new election must be held within sixty days, during which time the duties are temporarily assumed by the Prime Minister or other senior cabinet members, following a legally defined order of priority.

While in office, the nation's chief executive resides in the iconic Cheongwadae (청와대), famously known as the "Blue House" due to its distinctive blue-tiled roofs. This historic compound serves as both the presidential residence and the official workplace. An important aspect of the office is the presidential immunity from criminal liability during their term, with the crucial exceptions of insurrection or treason, underscoring the gravity of their oath to protect the state.

Recent Presidential Transitions: Moon Jae-in to Yoon Suk-yeol

The political landscape of South Korea has seen significant shifts in recent years. On May 10, 2017, Moon Jae-in, a former human rights lawyer and chief of staff to the late President Roh Moo-hyun, assumed the presidency. His election came immediately after securing a plurality of 41.1% of the vote, significantly outpacing his main rivals, conservative Hong Joon-pyo (24.0%) and centrist Ahn Cheol-soo (21.4%). This election constitutionally replaced Park Geun-hye following her impeachment and removal from office, marking a crucial moment in South Korean democracy.

Most recently, the leadership baton was passed to the People Power Party's Yoon Suk-yeol. He officially took office on May 10, 2022, after triumphing over the Democratic Party's nominee Lee Jae-myung in the closely contested 2022 South Korean presidential election, ushering in a new era of governance.

Roh Moo-hyun: A Life of Advocacy and Presidency

Roh Moo-hyun (노무현; 1 September 1946 – 23 May 2009), a revered figure in modern South Korean history, was a lawyer-turned-politician who served as the ninth president of South Korea from 2003 to 2008. His journey to the Blue House was marked by a deep commitment to justice and democratic reform.

Early Career and Political Ascent

Before his presidential tenure, Roh's political career was primarily dedicated to human rights advocacy. He became a prominent voice for student activists who were often subjected to authoritarian rule, fighting tirelessly for their civil liberties in South Korea. As his electoral career progressed, Roh expanded his focus, aiming to overcome the entrenched regionalism that often characterized South Korean politics, a divisive force he believed hindered national unity. This commitment ultimately paved his way to the presidency.

His campaign resonated particularly strongly with younger internet users, a demographic that played a significant role in his electoral success. Roh's election was groundbreaking, heralding the arrival of a new generation of Korean politicians, often referred to as the "386 Generation." This term described individuals in their thirties when it was coined, born in the 1960s, and who had attended university in the 1980s. These were the veterans of student protests against authoritarianism, advocating for a more conciliatory approach towards North Korea, even if it meant navigating complex relations with allies like the United States. Notably, Roh Moo-hyun was the first South Korean president to be born after the end of Japanese colonial rule in Korea, symbolizing a new chapter for the nation.

Presidential Achievements and Challenges

During his administration, South Korea achieved significant milestones. It received the highest marks on the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, reflecting a commitment to free expression. Economically, the value of the South Korean won against the US dollar was the strongest since 1997, a testament to robust economic management. For the first time in history, largely due to a strong currency, South Korea climbed to become the world's 10th largest economy, with its nominal GDP per capita exceeding the $20,000 milestone during his term.

Despite these achievements and initial high expectations, Roh's presidency was not without its trials. He faced strong opposition from the conservative Grand National Party and significant scrutiny from the media, often being accused of incompetence. Many of his ambitious policies, such as a plan to relocate the capital of South Korea and efforts to form a coalition with the opposition, made little headway. His economic and diplomatic policies also drew criticism, contributing to what was, on average, the lowest approval rating ever recorded in South Korean political history. Critics argued that he persisted with certain obsolete economic views and struggled to address everyday livelihood issues effectively.

Post-Presidency and Enduring Legacy

After leaving office, Roh Moo-hyun chose a path of quiet return, moving back to his hometown of Bongha Maeul. He embraced an ordinary life, even running a duck farm and sharing his experiences through a personal blog. He also launched "Democracy 2.0," a website aimed at fostering healthy online discussions and civic engagement.

Tragically, about fourteen months after his presidency, Roh became the subject of a bribery investigation by prosecutors, an event that drew immense public attention. On May 23, 2009, he died by suicide, jumping from a mountain cliff behind his home. In a suicide note found on his computer, he expressed profound sorrow, stating, "there are too many people suffering because of me." His death sent shockwaves across the nation; approximately 4 million people visited his hometown of Bongha Village in the week that followed. While his death was confirmed by police, public opinion on Roh has undergone a considerable positive shift since then. Many now reflect on his unwavering human rights background and the notable national economic progress achieved during his presidency. A 2019 Gallup Korea poll even cited Roh as the most popular president in South Korean history among the general public, solidifying his complex yet enduring legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions about the President of South Korea

Who is the President of the Republic of Korea?
The President of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) is the head of state and head of government, currently Yoon Suk-yeol of the People Power Party, who assumed office on May 10, 2022.
What are the key roles of the President of South Korea?
The President serves as the chief administrative authority of the executive branch, Commander in Chief of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, and the primary leader representing the nation both domestically and internationally. They are responsible for guiding national policy.
How is the President of South Korea elected?
The President is elected by direct, secret ballot for a single five-year term, with no possibility of re-election. This method was established by the 1987 constitutional amendment.
Where does the President of South Korea live and work?
The official residence and workplace of the President of South Korea is Cheongwadae (청와대), known as the "Blue House" due to its distinctive blue-tiled roof.
Who was Roh Moo-hyun?
Roh Moo-hyun was the ninth President of South Korea, serving from 2003 to 2008. A former human rights lawyer, he was known for his efforts to overcome regionalism in politics and for being the first president born after Japanese colonial rule. His presidency saw significant economic growth and improved press freedom, though he also faced considerable political opposition.
What was the "386 Generation" in Korean politics?
The "386 Generation" refers to a cohort of South Korean politicians, including Roh Moo-hyun, who were in their thirties when the term was coined, born in the 1960s, and attended university in the 1980s. They were veterans of student protests against authoritarian rule and advocated for a more conciliatory approach toward North Korea.
What is the significance of the 1987 Presidential Election Act in South Korea?
The 1987 amendment to the Presidential Election Act was crucial as it changed the presidential election method from indirect to direct, secret ballot, fundamentally enhancing democratic participation and accountability in the election of the President of South Korea.