The National Assembly Research Service (NARS), together with the office of Representative Sung-ho Jung, held a joint seminar on “Outlook of the Impeachment Challenges and Tasks for Restoring Normal Politics” on Friday, January 10, 2025 in Conference Room No. 9 of the National Assembly Members’ Office Building. This seminar was convened to review the issues caused by the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024 and to explore the challenges to Korean politics.

In his welcoming remarks, Kwan Hu Lee, Chief of the NARS, stated that “Under the Speaker of the National Assembly Won-sik Woo, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea was able to swiftly resolve the martial law situation by passing a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law order. However, the political, economic and social instability and uncertainty arising from the impeachment crisis continue to threaten the nation and the lives of its people.” He also pointed out that “With the December 3rd declaration of martial law, doubts about our democracy have been growing internally and externally, and it is time for the ruling and opposing parties to work together to protect our democracy and stabilize the political situation.”

In his opening remarks, National Assemblyman Sung-ho Jung stated that “The economy, already struggling due to the so called ‘Trump risk’, is taking a bigger hit due to the current domestic political uncertainty. He also emphasized that “The democratic resilience shown by citizens during the lifting of martial law and the impeachment process will be a powerful driving force for the Republic of Korea to overcome the national crisis and stand strong once again.”

At the seminar, Professor Jaekwon Cha (Pukyong National University) presented on “The Nature and Prospects of the Impeachment Situation,” and Professor Euiyoung Kim (Seoul National University) delivered a presentation on “Challenges for Korean Politics after the Impeachment Situation.” The presenters expressed concerns about the worsening political instability and polarization, and the negative impacts this will have on the nation’s economy and society. They also proposed concrete measures for political reform, including the institutionalization of civil society, strengthening civic education for democracy, and enhancement of cooperation with the civil society.

Several people joined the seminar discussion as panelists: Han-yong Sung (Hankyoreh), Professor Inbok Rhee (Yonsei University), Jeong-jin Lee (NARS), Professor Jaemook Lee (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies), Professor Junhan Lee (Incheon National University), and Professor Kwang-pil Choi (KyungWoon University). Discussants pointed out issues regarding political polarization and the judicialization of politics, and sought possible solutions for improvement.