The role of President of South Korea is not just powerful — it’s one of the most extreme and perilous jobs in the country. In fact, 81.9% of former South Korean presidents have faced tragic or unfortunate endings, making it a position marked not only by responsibility but also by political and personal peril.
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| Former President of South Korea by Timeline Since 1948 |
Since the establishment of Korea's constitutional government 73 years ago, 9 out of 11 former presidents have ended their political careers in misfortune — forced out by public protests, impeached, imprisoned, or driven to tragic ends. Even today, two former presidents remain behind bars. Only two — Kim Young-sam (YS) and Kim Dae-jung (DJ) — have enjoyed relatively peaceful retirements.
Unlike in many developed democracies, former presidents in South Korea rarely become respected public figures, giving lectures or leading think tanks. This troubling trend raises questions that go beyond individual character flaws. It prompts a deeper reflection on the structural flaws within Korea's political system.
Is the problem rooted in the Constitution itself? Or could it be that the presidential system is incompatible with Korean political culture?
There’s a famous saying:
“When the presidential system leaves the U.S., it kisses dictatorship.”
This reflects the global trend in which presidential systems in developing nations often evolve into authoritarian regimes.
Despite adopting a presidential system, South Korea has achieved a relatively stable democracy. Yet, the country continues to experience bitter political polarization, with every new administration seemingly locked in a cycle of revenge politics.
The repeated misfortune of ex-presidents may be seen as a side effect of this governance model. South Korea’s modern political history — less than a century long — is unmatched in terms of how many leaders have been forcibly removed from office or legally prosecuted post-retirement.
The primary reasons for ex-presidents being punished are their wrongdoings while in office — including corruption, abuse of power, or policy failures. But the pressure from public opinion cannot be overlooked.
Whenever a major political scandal erupts, hundreds of thousands gather at Gwanghwamun Square. From candlelight protests to flag rallies, both progressive and conservative groups show their force in public demonstrations.
Such massive gatherings shake the political system to its core. When a president is ousted or jailed, one side sees it as justice served, while the other side experiences deep political resentment. Supporters of the fallen president feel betrayed, as their vote and trust collapse with their leader.
Meanwhile, political factions manipulate public sentiment for their own gain, using public outrage as a stepping stone to power. The result? Revenge politics breeds more revenge, and the presidential election becomes a life-or-death battle, not a celebration of democracy.
Being president in South Korea is statistically a high-risk occupation. While election day may bring joy, the five-year term is often filled with intense pressure, overwork, and eventual legal or personal crisis. And yet, many politicians still dream of the Blue House.
Some even go as far as relocating their parents' graves in hopes of better “presidential feng shui.” Ironically, if one becomes president thanks to a lucky burial site but ends up in prison or disgrace, was that really a “lucky” place after all?
South Korea must move beyond resentment-driven politics and the recurring “presidential tragedy.” It’s time for change — not just in leadership, but in the system itself.
The next presidential election must be forward-looking, focusing on long-term reform, unity, and healing. Only then can South Korea escape this cycle of leadership rise and fall, and create a political culture where presidents retire with dignity, not disgrace.
References: imaeil.com, TTHQ
Keywords
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