Politics & Government Guide in South Korea

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

South Korea's presidential republic faced a severe crisis in late 2024 when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, leading to his impeachment and removal in 2025. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party won the snap presidential election in June 2025, ushering in a new Democratic-led government amid ongoing political polarization. The country maintains a resilient democracy with strong institutional checks.

Government Type

Presidential Republic

Legal System

Civil law system

Head of State

President Lee Jae-myung(since 2025)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok(Democratic Party)since 2025

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Lower House:National Assembly (300 seats)

Major Political Parties

Democratic Party of Korea(DPK)

Centre-left

156 seats

People Power Party(PPP)

Conservative

103 seats

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 18 and over have full voting rights in national and local elections.

Recent Developments

President Yoon Suk Yeol impeached on December 14, 2024, following martial law declaration on December 3, 2024
Constitutional Court upheld Yoon's removal from office on April 4, 2025
Snap presidential election on June 3, 2025, won by Lee Jae-myung with 49.42% of votes
Lee Jae-myung sworn in as president on June 4, 2025

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1987

Local governments226