In December 2024 South Korea was faced with a major political crisis after the removal of President  Yoon Suk Yeol. His impeachment charges of abuse power of and violation of the constitutional provisions on the separation of powers threw the country into political turmoil and impacted the country’s domestic and foreign affairs.

As one of the United States’ key Asian allies, South Korea’s political instability raises questions about the future of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, regional security, and policy effectiveness. Since North Korea’s nuclear threat and the rise of China are major issues in East Asia any turbulence in Seoul is not without consequences. This essay discusses the impact of political turmoil on the diplomatic relations of South Korea, the difficulties in the South Korea – United States relationship, and the general impact on the region. 

President Yoon’s impeachment has left South Korea with a lapse of leadership that impacts the country’s capacity to deal with the US properly. With a government temporarily in power while the Constitutional Court considers Yoon’s future there is no strong leadership to bolster Seoul’s diplomatic position. Previous studies indicate that stability in governance is a necessary condition for effective foreign policy. Nonetheless given the circumstances in  South Korea Washington may not be willing to commit long long-term strategic partnerships because of the possibility of changes political in Seoul. 

The relations between South Korea and the United States is also affected by the fact that Yoon has been impeached. Investment sentiment turned negative and the markets tapered off as a result of political uncertainties. The Bank of Korea at its meeting in January 2025........

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